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ther 

cales 

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Toledo Scale Company 

Toledo* Ohio 



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Other Scales 

AND 

Their Defects 




Toledo Scale Co 

Toledo, Ohio 
Canadian Factory, Windsor, Ontario 

Branch Offices and Service 
Stations in all Large Cities 



Copyrighted 1918 

Toledo Scale Company 

Toledo, Ohio 



MAY -I 19i8 
©GI.A4S4809 



Table of Contents 



COUNTER SCALES 

Anderson Page 21 

Angldile Page 25 

Dayton No. 38 : Page 33 

Dayton No. 61 Page 72 

Dayton Nos. 63 and 95 Page 81 

Dayton No. 115 Page 77 

Dayton Nos. 120 and 220, or Lighthouse Scale. .Page 37 

Dayton Nos. 144 and 146 Page 86 

Dayton Nos. 344 and 346 Page 91 

Dayton False Chart (Nos. 61, 63 Scales) Page 97 

Dayton Beam Scales Page 40 

Detroit Automatic Spring Scale Page 60 

Detroit Automatic Platform Scale Page 45 

Even-Balance Page 14 

Hanging Spring Balance Page 57 

Micrometer Page 19 

National Page 50 

Standard Computing Scale Page 63 

Stimpson Platform Scale Page 45 

Strubler Double Pendulum Cylinder Scale Page 29 

Why Spring Scales are Wrong Page 52 



HEAVY CAPACITY SCALES 

A.merican Materials Page 135 

Beam Page 101 

Fairbanks' Platform Page 115 

Fairbanks' Portable Page 125 

Eiowe Page 130 

Kron Page 105 



>cales from Earliest Times to the Present Page 4 



FROM THE EARLIEST 

TIMES TO THE 

PRESENT 



Since this is a book for the purpose 
of informing our salesmen and scale 
users concerning the defects in various 
types of scales, it is appropriate that 
we print reproductions of a series of 
plates which we have in our office, 
showing scales from the very earliest 
times and briefly listing the main de- 
fects of the older forms of weighing 
devices. 



Other Scales and Their Defects 




SIDTSIPEllE® EVEN E^^IAMCB 



OBJECTIONS: 

1st Always roquirinB weights equal to the commodity' weighed. 
2d The swinging of the pans in placing the commoilit\' and weights upon them. 
3d The amount of litne consumed and the difficulty in obtaining a balance, resulted in the givii 
of overweight almost invariatlv. 



For details concerning the defects of the even-balance scale, 
see pages 14-17. 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



a 




=^)r=-=-^^ 



^^mmiM^MB 











OBJECTIONS: 








1st 


The swinging of the pan 


same as in the Suspended Even 


Balance. 






2d 


To obtain correct 


weight 


rhe 


Ixara had to be horizontal, which was s 


difficult 


determine that 




the giving of 


ovenveigh 











Since the steelyard is practically obsolete, we are not going into 
details concerning its defects. They must be so obvious to every- 
one that no modern concern of any sort would attempt to get 
acurate weights on the steelyard. 



Other Scales and Their Defects 




4th Ti!v .iNcn^ o 



OBJECTIONS: 




of iisiri!? a poise and handling num 


croiis weishts. 


f tunc consumcJ, isnd the dtfficults- 


in setting a balance. 


It i!,>\iv.g i>t overweight. 




jl a tire beam, 





This is a more modern form of the even-balance scale than 
that shown on page 5. It has many of the defects of the earliest 
type and many of its own. See pages 14-17. 



Other Scales and Their Defects 




^nsf iFMflpiM)iMi §m 



OBJECTIONS: 

. ^5S auc IV tli= mcrciied number of btiniies. 
0O5e weights neiessttiung many hand opcrstions. 
z^^rcd tv balance the beam in the csntcr of the gate. 



For detailed explanation of defects in this type of scale, 
page 101. 



Other Scales and Their Defects 













€MmWVX'v'm% PMTIF®1HI 



For further details concerning defects of this type of scale, see 
page 40. 



Other Scales and Their Defects 




SECTIONS; 



In our opinion, all spring scales are inaccurate and undesirable. 
We think that the old-style spring balance is particularly objec- 
tionable and particularly undesirable in these days of high prices 
and close margins. For details concerning such scales, see pages 
52 to 60. 



10 



Other Scales and Their Defects 




w jf mi B4MHC1 C31MM1 mmmmri 3€mm 



OBJtCTIONb 






In order to get the benefit of the computing feature, something 
might be sacrificed, if it were necessary, for the computing feature 
is undoubtedly valuable. But it is not necessary to sacrifice any- 
thing. Therefore why do it? See pages 52 and 72 for details con- 
cerning the defects of this scale. 



11 



Other Scales and Their Defects 




In addition to accuracy, merchants find that a good reputation 
in the scale they use is of great value. See pages 52 and 81 for 
the various reasons why this scale must have a very bad reputation. 



12 



Other Scales and Their Defects 




Jirm 



»ili^ 



THh ADVANTAGES: 



1 t 1 Nirh uti^hini; jiid vtimputing. 
ipvrjit) thtivh pn. Venting errors. 

1 or 
'. .iiu 1 «Ui,iu tu the Cuium^r 
rv Kjn 



The highest type of modern weighing equipment — the Toledo 
Springless Automatic Computing Scale, accurate to the last pos- 
sible degree, sensitive almost to the fall of a feather, durable 
beyond all expectation, highly regarded by the buying public. 



13 



OTHER SCALES AND THEIR 
DEFECTS 



THE Toledo salesman should have a thorough 
knowledge of the defects of scales of other makes. 
Frequently such knowledge will enable him to 
perform a genuine service for a merchant who, 
without realizing it, is using or contemplating the pur- 
chase of weighing equipment that is unsuitable, or is 
causing or may cause him serious losses. 

We have made an effort to illustrate and point out the 
defects of practically every scale that the salesman is apt 
to encounter. It is needless to say that if we attempted 
to illustrate every type of scale in existence, we would 
almost have to print an encyclopaedia. Therefore should 
you occasionally encounter a scale that you cannot find 
listed here, get the name and if possible the date of manu- 
facture and send this information to our Engineering De- 
partment and we will try to tell you exactly wherein this 
scale is deficient. As a rule scales not shown here are 
no longer manufactured. 

Let us first take up and consider the objections to the 
even-balance scale. 



EVEN-BALANCE SCALE 

Toledo, Ohio, May 1, 1918. 

The defects, as explained, of the even-balance scale, 
apply generally to all such scales which have come 
to our notice up to this date. Many of these defects 
must be known to the makers of these scales and it 
is more than likely that efforts are being made to correct 
and overcome them. 

14 



Other Scales and Their Defects 




Even-Balance Scale 



Before making a statement concerning any particular 
scale, examine the scale closely and be sure that it does 
possess the defect or defects which you claim it possesses. 

It is neither the pol- 
icy nor the desire of 
the company that any 
statements be made 
about any of our com- 
petitors or their ma- 
chines which are not 
wholly and actually true. 

We want our salesmen to fight hard for business, but 
always to be absolutely fair. 

It is your duty and obligation to point out the defects 
of any scale which may be under consideration. But 
never put yourself and the company in the unfair and 
contemptible position of having stated an untruth or of 
having made any misrepresentation whatsoever. 

Engineering Department. 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



There are many varieties of this scale, but the illustra- 
tion shown herewith is typical and will serve quite well in 
the discussion of these scales. 

In a strict sense of the word this is not really a scale, 
but is only a balance, weight on one end of the lever bal- 
ancing the commodity on the other. This type of 
weighing device as a rule subjects the user to greater 
losses of time and to greater losses from inaccuracies 
than any other scale. 

The user ordinarily gives what is termed "down- 
weight" — that is to say he continues to pour whatever 
is being weighed, into the scoop until it actually goes 
down. This has become almost a necessity because 
customers invariably believe that the scoop or pan 
should go down to insure correct weight, when as a mat- 
ter of actual fact if it does go down, from ^ to 1 ounce 
or more of overweight is given. Correct weight would 

15 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



be a perfectly even-balance. As the first indication given 
by the scale is when the pan goes down, about the only 
way to get a balance is to take goods out, a pinch at a 
time, which is very objectionable to customers. Any- 
thing different from downweight impresses customers 
with the idea that they are not getting what they pay 
for, and that the merchant is of the petty, stingy, hair- 
splitting type. This idea being so general, merchants 
are obliged to conform to custom and give downweight. 
The very term "downweight" was invented to apply to 
this type of scale, and is firmly associated with it. But 
when the pan goes down, the merchant has no means 
of knowing how much in excess of the actual weight has 
been put on to make the pan go down. With careless 
clerks this excess is often more than an ounce, thus 
throwing away all profit on the transaction. 

Another evil resulting from the frequent inaccuracy 
of this scale is the possibility of giving shortweight. It 
is so easy to make a mistake in the balancing weight that 
is set on the pan. 

And this danger of giving shortweight is further in- 
creased by the equipment of many of these even-balance 
scales with what is called a tare beam. This is partic- 
ularly undesirable as there is nothing to indicate to the 
customer or remind the merchant when the poise on this 
tare beam is moved from the zero position. It is also a 
frequent cause of error for the reason that the poise, not 
being automatically locked in the zero position, may 
easily become moved, causing serious inaccuracies. 

Then, owing to the necessity of a number of loose 
weights, many hand movements are required to weigh 
with this type of scale, and the misplacing of these loose 
weights is constantly causing annoyances and loss of 
time. 

In weighing, say 25 pounds, on these scales, the opera- 
tor has not only to lift 25 pounds of goods into the scoop 
cr onto the pan, but must lift 25 pounds of weights to 
off-set it. These weights all have to be taken off again, 
making necessary numerous hand movements. This 
throws a 50-pound strain on the two center bearings 

16 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



which soon nicks and dulls them, greatly increasing 
the friction and destroying their sensitiveness for light 
drafts, so that still greater amounts of overweight must 
be given in order to make the pan go down. Further- 
more, the weighing of 25 pounds obliges the operator 
to lift 100 pounds or just four times as much as he actu- 
ally wishes to weigh. On other scales he would only 
have to lift twice as much as he wishes to weigh. 

Needless to say, the sensitiveness of these scales is very 
shortlived; the bearings are nicked and bruised by the 
jar of the scale and when a weight is lifted from one side, 
the other side goes down on the bearings with a bang, 
and as we have just pointed out, the more the bearings 
become worn, the greater the amount of overweight that 
it is necessary to give in order to make the pan go down. 
And when you consider that only a half ounce of over- 
weight on a pound transaction robs the average mer- 
chant of more than 30 ^r of his profit on that transaction, 
you can see what an undesirable device is the ordinary 
even-balance scale. 

Another objectionable feature is the absence of a dash 
pot, the function of which is to prevent sudden jar on the 
bearings and pivots, and at the same time check the vi- 
bration. These scales are rarely equipped with dash pots 
and, of course, go banging up and down as already 
described, to the ultimate destruction of any reasonable 
degree of sensitiveness. 

Another great objection to these scales is the fact 
that they do not compute. This causes much loss of 
time. The dealer is forced to make all his computations 
mentally, not only resulting in loss of time, but in many 
mistakes. This is particularly true when selling odd 
amounts such as 25 cents' worth of sugar at 7^c. a pound, 
10 cents' worth of cheese at 22c a pound, 10 cents' worth 
of tea at 55c a pound, etc. These transactions are con- 
stantly occurring and few of them can be figured out cor- 
rectly without a great deal of time and trouble. 

This scale requires the use of loose weights, which 
become lost or inaccurate by accumulation of dirt, dust, 
grease, etc. 

17 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



BEAM TYPE COUNTER SCALES 

In this section we also print two pictures of a scale 
that has practically all of the objections of the crude even- 
balance scale, and a few objections of its own. The type 





Beam Type Counter Scale 

shown in the upper illustration is occasionally found in 
fruit stores and small groceries and its main objection, 
in addition to the objections to the ordinary type of even- 
balance scale, is that the weight at the end of the beam 
swings in weighing, causing inaccuracies, often causing 




Beam Type Counter Scale 

the merchant to give a considerable quantity of over- 
weight. Another objection is that errors are constantly 
made in the shifting of the poise along the beam. 

18 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



Where a scale of this type is graduated in ounces, it 
is impossible to weigh more or less than an ounce. This 
frequently necessitates the giving of overweight. 

One way of demonstrating the amount given in over- 
weight on the average even-balance scale or on such a 
scale as is shown on page 18, is to put 10 pounds of weight 
on each end of the scale, or set the poise at 10 pounds and 
put weight in the pan until the scale balances absolutely 
even. Then put on small visiting cards until the com- 
modity pan actually goes down the way it always goes 
down in the average draft. Then take those cards and 
place them on a Toledo Scale and show how the Toledo 
will immediately show their weight and their value. An- 
other way is to ask the merchant to weigh out four 
drafts of a pound each and then weigh them all together 
and note overweight. 



MICROMETER SCALE 

Another type of even-balance scale which is occasion- 
ally found in use, is the micrometer scale. In addition 
to many of the disadvantages of even-balance scales, it 
has a few of its own. A great deal of time is required 
to get a balance, even more as a rule than on the ordinary 
even-balance scale, for the shaft containing the counter- 
balancing weight must be revolved back and forth until 
a balance is obtained, and the slightest movement of the 
shaft throws the scale out of balance, causing the mer- 
chant to give shortweight or obliging him to pour in a 
great deal of overweight. 

We regard this as an exceedingly dangerous scale, 
particularly in these days of high prices and very close 
margins. All micrometer scales should be carefully bal- 
anced before each weighing, and the balancing takes a 
great deal of time, after the commodity is placed upon 
the platter. It requires quite a good deal of fiddling 
back and forth with the revolving shaft to bring the 
scale to an exact balance. Furthermore, serious dis- 

19 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



crepancies may be caused by the rather wide lines on 
the micrometer weight. Unless this is set exactly in the 
center of these lines, the scale will not weigh accurately. 
Furthermore, two different people would get different 
results from this scale, because they must depend upon 
their judgment as to where the revolving weight must 
be set for a given amount. Some men would think that 
it should go a little farther forward, some a little farther 
back. The customer cannot see whether or not the scale 
is set to give the amount paid for. 




Micrometer Scale 



As we have said before, these are the objections to 
this scale alone and are in addition to the usual objections 
to almost all types of even-balance or beam counter 
scales. For example, the absence of a dash-pot in this 
scale is as serious a defect as in the ordinary even-balance 
scale. 

20 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



Careful study by the salesman of the mechanism of 
these scales, and talks with those who have used and 
discarded them, may possibly reveal other serious defects. 
It is only just to point these out to those who are still 
clinging to this type of weighing device or those who 
are contemplating its purchase. 



Engineering Department. 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



ANDERSON COMPUTING SCALE 

Toledo, Ohio, May 1, 1918. 

The defects, as explained, of the Anderson Computing 
Scale, apply generally to all such scales which have come 
to our notice up to this date, including the later type 
known as Model 85, built by the Detroit Automatic Scale 
Company, which is a slightly modified form of the Ander- 
son, and which we also illustrate. Many of these defects 
must be known to the makers of these scales and it is 
more than likely that efforts are being made to correct 
and overcome them. 

Before making a statement concerning any particular 
scale, examine the scale closely and be sure that it does 
possess the defect or defects which you claim it possesses. 

It is neither the policy nor the desire of the company 
that any statements be made about any of our competi- 
tors or their machines which are not wholly and actually 
true down to the smallest particular. 

We want our salesmen to fight hard for business, but 
always to be absolutely fair. 

It is your duty and obligation to point out the de- 
fects of any scale which may be under consideration. 

21 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



But never put yourself and the company in the unfair 
and contemptible position of having stated an untruth or 
of having made any misrepresentation whatsoever. 



Engineering Department. 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



The tare poise locking screws in most of the older 
types of these scales may become loosened and fall out as 
they are not provided with proper means to retain them. 
This, of course, would cause inaccuracy in weighing both 
because of the difference in weight of the tare poise when 
the locking screw has fallen out and because this leaves 
the poise free to slide back and forth on the tare beam. 

The tare beam on some scales of this type has only 
one set of weight graduations and two poises. Either 
one poise or both poises can be set at approximately the 
same graduation on the beam and the indication on the 
beam would be the same in both cases, which with both 
set would be only half of the correct weight. This means 
a great deal of confusion between the chart and the beam 
indications. It is a source of almost constant error. 

On the later type Model 85 built by the Detroit Au- 
tomatic Scale Company, there are two beams with a poise 
on each beam. Look at the illustration. Note the short up- 
right bar on the left which connects these two beams to- 
gether. When one or the other of the poises is slid along 
and strikes against this bar, it may easily jar the beam so 
that this upright bar is no longer at right angles with 
the beams. In other words, the force of the poise hitting 
against this bar just pushes it along a sixteenth or an 
eight of an inch. Of course, this may result in the most 
serious kind of inaccuracies on f.ll future weighings. When 
the beam has thus been pushed out of its proper place 
by the action of the poise hitting against the short up- 
right bar, it is impossible for the poise to be drawn back 
to a correct zero position because the bar "A" and the 

22 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



corresponding one at the end of the beams are no longer 
upright but are in a slightly slanting position. 

The large hole in the housing where the main lever 
and platter-supporting casting enter allows dirt, dust 

and insects to get in 
the housing and settle 
on the exposed face of 
the pendulum cam. It 
is fair to presume that 
during three-fourths of 
the life of the scale it 
lies dormant, that is 
not in use or action. 
Assuming the life of 
the scale to be 5 years, 
3 years, 9 months of 
this time the entire sur- 
face of the cam on an 






Detroit Automatic 



Anderson or Detroit Automatic Model 85 lies exposed 
to insects, dust and corrosion. In weighing operations 
the ribbon must of necessity pass over these particles of 
dirt on the surface of the cam, which would naturally 
cause serious inaccuracies ih weighing. 

One of the worst features of this scale is the inverted 
pendulum, which is a reversal of the true principle of 
pendulum construction. 

23 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



The manner of constructing the agate bridge which 
supports the pendulum is another serious weakness in 
this scale's construction. 




It also has many other 
bad features — for exam- 
ple, it enforces a large 
addition of weight to the 
housing end of the main 
lever, thereby subjecting 
the pendulum, ribbon and 
pendulum bearings to the 
greatest strain when the 
scale is not in use and 
also causing the greatest 
friction to the pendulum 
bearings when the small- 



Anderson 



est drafts are weighed. This means greater inaccuracies 
on small drafts than on large. Now consider that an 
overdraft of only ^ ounce on a pound transaction robs 
the average merchant of over 30% of his profit, but that 
on a Yz pound transaction it robs him of over 60% of 
his profit. On this scale the overdrafts are largest on 
the small transactions, which are becoming constantly 
more frequent. This is a very serious objection. 

The tare beams on both the Anderson and Detroit 
Automatic Scales read from right to left which is the 
reverse of all other makes of scales and is liable to cause 
mistakes in reading. 

24 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



In the Detroit Automatic Fan Scale the lever projects 
through both sides of the housing forming an additional 
opening for dust and dirt to collect and cause greater 
errors. 

The location of the dash pot and the small hole 
through which it is operated make the adjustment of the 
dash pot on the Anderson Scale very awkward and dif- 
ficult. The fact that the opening through which the 
dash pot is regulated on the No. 85 Detroit Automatic, a 
slightly modified type of the Anderson Scale, is on the 
opposite side of the scale from which the merchant stands 
makes it difficult to get at the dash pot. 

Anderson Scales of the earlier type are equipped with 
ornamental brass scrolls, the finish of which soon wears 
off. These scrolls accumulate dirt, and verdigris, are dif- 
ficult to keep clean and soon become unsanitary and un- 
sightly, giving the scale an unpleasing appearance. 

When possible test out such scales to their full chart 
capacity and see if they weigh accurately throughout. 

Careful study by the salesman of the mechanism of 
these scales, and talks with those who have used and 
discarded them, may possibly reveal other serious defects. 
It is only just to point these out to those who are 
still clinging to this type of weighing device or those who 
are contemplating its purchase. 

Engineering Department. 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



ANGLDILE COMPUTING SCALE 

Toledo, Ohio, May 1, 1918. 

The defects, as explained, of the Angldile Computing 
Scale, apply generally to all such scales which have come 
to our notice up to this date. Many of these defects 
must be known to the maker of these scales and it is more 

25 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



than Hkely that efforts are being made to correct and 
overcome them. 

Before making a statement concerning any particular 
scale, examine the scale closely and be sure that it does 
possess the defect or defects which you claim it possesses. 

It is neither the policy nor the desire of the company 
that any statements be made about any of our competi- 
tors or their machines which are not wholly and actually 
true down to the smallest particular. 

We want our salesmen to fight hard for business, but 
alv/ays to be absolutely fair. 

It is your duty and obligation to point out the de- 
fects of any scale which may be under consideration. 
But never put yourself and the company in the unfair 
and contemptible position of having stated an untruth or 
of having made any misrepresentation whatsoever. 

Engineering Department. 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



It is almost impossible to read accurately the value on 
an Angldile Scale, because the exact angle for reading 
cannot be determined by sight. As a rule, several dif- 
ferent persons will read as many different values for the 
same article placed upon the platter. 

Another defect is the fact that the dial indicator on 
the customer's side does not indicate accurately for the 
reason that the center of the dial is not on a level with 
the eye. It is too low. Examine carefully such a scale 
and see if it is not true that the dial can be read accurately 
only when the indicator is in a vertical position at zero 
or one-half its capacity. 

The pointer on the hand indicating the weight to the 
customer is too wide and in many instances is so far from 
the dial that accurate reading is impossible. 

The indicating wire being far from the cone-shaped 
chart, and the reading angle being uncertain, make ac- 
curate reading of the computations extremely difficult. 

26 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



This indicating wire is not placed any closer to the chart 
owing to the peculiar and poor mechanical construction 
of the chart. 

The cone-shaped computing chart does not show 

every full value in plain figures. The values in plain 

figures are shown only at every ten cents. To obtain 

^^ the full value between 

^^^ the ten-cent marks, it is 

y^/ necessary to add the 

V''*' '^"'"^Z^^-"-^ small numerals (from 1 to 

9 indicating cents) to the 



larger value shown at the 
ten-cent graduation to the 
left. This is a dangerous 
system of showing value, 




Angldile 



as a computing scale should take off the mind of the mer- 
chant all mental computation. Put a weight on a scale 
which, at some low price per pound, comes to 17 or 18 
cents, and you will see that one might read the value as 
7 or 8 cents. In some cases the preceding ten cent value 
is hidden behind the casing. 

It is extremely difficult to obtain absolute accuracy 
in cone-shaped computing charts. The most difficulty 
is encountered in the construction of the cone charts be- 
cause of their small diameter at the low prices per pound. 
This results in scales equipped with such charts gen- 
erally showing very serious inaccuracy ranging from a 
fraction of an ounce in weight to as much as 3 cents in 
money values. It is also extremely difficult to join such 

27 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



charts accurately and there are often serious discrepan- 
cies at the point of juncture. 

Another serious objection is the fact that owing to 
the large diameter of the cone-shaped chart at the high 
price per pound, and the weaknesses of its construction, 
inaccuracies develop after the scale has been in use only 
a short time. This is partly due to the fact that the part 
of the chart with a large diameter naturally moves at a 
very high velocity, causing a severe jar when a heavy 
weight is placed upon the platter, there being no shock 
absorber between the beam and chart. Inaccuracies can 
be detected by placing a weight on the scale and observ- 
ing the values at 4 cents and 40 cents per pound, when 
they will probably be found not in proper relation and the 
weight indication to the merchant shown by the cone- 
shaped chart will be found to differ from the weight in- 
dication shown to the customer by the dial. 

It is highly important, in producing a revolving chart, 
to have it properly balanced. Adjustable means should 
always be provided for this. In earlier types, note the 
crude manner in which the balance is secured in this cone 
chart. On more recent models this has been corrected. 

Many of the adjustments of the weighing mechanism 
are so located and mounted as to require an expert* pro- 
vided with suitable tools and equipment to make the ad- 
justments. 

It is generally conceded that it is impossible to locate 
accurately a value by a figure alone as in Angldile Scales. 
Notwithstanding the fact that the cent values between 
the 10 cent marks are expressed in figures, there is also 
for each cent, from 3 cents to 7 cents, inclusive, a line 
graduation indicating the exact location for the cent, but 
you will observe that the values expressed at the ten 
cent marks and printed in bold, black face figures cover 
up and obliterate the cent graduations for 1 cent and 2 
cents and for 8 cents and 9 cents in the majority of cases. 
Technically speaking there is neither a figure nor a line 
to represent the value at these points. At the low price 
per pound, the 1 cent and 9 cent graduations only are 
hidden. 

28 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



A hand operation is necessary to fasten the poise in 
its zero position on the tare beam. The time consumed 
and the unreliability of this method is apparent. If the 
poise is not exactly located and securely fastened, it may 
cause loss to the merchant in overweight. 

As there is no shock-absorbing device between the 
main lever and the rack which drives the pinion of the 
chart, the teeth of the rack and pinion are subjected, by 
ordinary use of the scale, to exceedingly severe strain, 
causing them soon to become damaged and the scale to 
weigh inaccurately. This is due to the large diameter 
of the chart which makes it hard to start and stop 
quickly. 

The scale is hard to level on an uneven counter. 

The platter is too small. 

Careful study by the salesman of the mechanism of 
these scales, and talks with those who have used and 
discarded them, may possibly reveal other serious defects. 
It is only just to point these out to those who are still 
clinging to this type of weighing device or those who are 
contemplating its purchase. 

Engineering Department. 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



STRUBLER DOUBLE PENDULUM 
COMPUTING SCALE 

Toledo, Ohio, May 1, 1918. 

The defects, as explained, of the Strubler Double 
Pendulum Computing Scale, No. 40, apply generally to 
all such scales which have come to our notice up to this 
date. Many of these defects must be known to the maker 
of these scales and it is more than likely that efforts are 
being made to correct and overcome them. 

29 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



Before making a statement concerning any particular 
scale, examine the scale closely and be sure that it does 
possess the defect or defects which you claim it possesses. 

It is neither the policy nor the desire of the company 
that any statements be made about any of our competitors 
or their m^achines which are not wholly and actually true 
down to the smallest particular. 

We want our salesmen to fight hard for business, but 
always to be absolutely fair. 

It is your duty and obligation to point out the de- 
fects of any scale which may be under consideration. 
But never put yourself and the company in the unfair 
and contemptible position of having stated an untruth 
or of having made any misrepresentation whatsoever. 

Engineering Department. 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



The design of this scale is awkward and unsightly in 
appearance. Observe the top-heavy appearance of the 
chart housing. Now, remember that the double pendu- 
lums in this scale are on top of the chart housing and 
that the two pendulums are very heavy chunks of 
lead. Anyone can see what bad construction this is. 
The slightest movement at the base of the scale would 
be multiplied many times in the double pendulums, which 
would increase and tend to cause grave inaccuracies. 

The finish and workmanship throughout the scale 
seem to be of very poor quality. There are too many 
joints between the main lever and the pendulums. 

Decorated brass scrolls such as are used in this scale 
are very difficult to keep clean. They often become 
coated with filth and verdigris and are apt to infect com- 
modities weighed over such a scale. 

The leveling screws are very small in diameter and 
easily bent when scale is moved, which would put them 
out of commission. 

30 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



The scale is not equipped with means for determining 
when it is leveL Butcher counters are usually made low 
on operator's side for the purpose of easy drainage. 




Strubler 



Therefore, if the scale were not leveled up from front to 
back, inaccuracies would result. 

31 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



The distance between the fulcrum and the platform 
bearing pivots in the Strubler Scale is l^o inches, while 
in the Toledo this distance is ZyVr inches, which makes 
the lever in the Strubler Scale multiply nearly twice as 
much as in the Toledo. The consequence of this is that 
any error resulting from rust, dirt or wear in the main 
lever bearings, would be multiplied in the same propor- 
tion. 

The base casting is very weak and might easily bend 
downward when weights are placed upon the platform. 
This would cause the shift to be incorrect. To make 
matters worse, the shift adjustment is of such construc- 
tion as to necessitate the moving of the scale before 
changes can be made in it. But to further increase the 
difficulty, the short pivot distance in the lever renders it 
exceedingly unlikely that the shift will remain accurate 
more than a very short time. 

The dash pot is placed in the housing of this scale and 
cannot be regulated from the operator's side, and it can- 
not be regulated at all without first removing a scroll. 
The construction is such that oil might easily pump out 
in the quick operation of the scale and the hole in the 
dash pot cap is so large that dust would enter the pot. 

The chart is made in two sections with the pinion 
which operates it in the center. These two sections of 
the chart are fastened to the chart shaft by means of set 
screws, which is not a secure method. The result is, 
that the charts may slip on the chart shaft and incorrect 
weights and values are the inevitable consequence. The 
chart of the thirty pound scale has one less price per pound 
than on the Toledo cylinder scale of the same capacity. 

The shortness of the bearing where the rack rod con- 
nects to the end of the lever does not hold the rack in a 
vertical position so as to allow it to mesh properly in 
line with the teeth of the pinion. The result is that the 
rack is constantly rubbing against the rack guide 
throughout the weighing, causing considerable friction 
in the scale. The adjusting nut on the rack rod has no 
locking screw and would easily be turned by vibration, 
which would cause the scale to weigh incorrectly. The 
rack has no shock absorber between the lever and rack 
to preserve the accuracy of the teeth of rack and pinion. 

32 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



This is a serious defect, for, when heavy loads are sud- 
denly placed upon the platter of the scale, the shock is 
communicated directly to the rack and pinion and 
through them to the chart, resulting in rapid wear of the 
rack and pinion and perhaps causing charts to slip on the 
chart shaft. 

The mounting of the pendulums above the chart hous- 
ing makes the scale exceedingly high and top-heavy. To 
avoid making the scale still higher, it was necessary on 
account of the leverage to make the pendulum stems very 
short, which renders the scale far less accurate than it 
probably would be if a longer stem and heavier pendulum 
could be used as in the Toledo cylinder scale. 

The pendulum weights are cylindrical in shape and 
are adjusted up and down on the threaded pendulum 
stems. To adjust these weights at all would require a 
half turn of the weight, and would bring the set screw 
which locks the weight to the stem on the inside where 
it would strike the pendulum bumpers. The adjusting 
screws for adjusting the cams are not central to the 
pendulum stem and would throw an undue strain on the 
mechanism. The pendulum weights are not securely 
locked on the stems. In consequence of this they might 
easily change their position and cause serious inaccura- 
cies in weighing. 

Careful study by the salesman of the mechanism of 
these scales and talks with those who have used and 
discarded them, may possibly reveal other serious defects. 
It is only just to point these out to those who are still 
clinging to this type of weighing device or those who are 
contemplating its purchase. 

Engineering Department. 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



DAYTON No. 38 

Toledo, Ohio, May 1, 1918. 

The defects, as explained, of the Dayton No. 38, 
even-balance scale, apply generally to all such scales 

33 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



which have come to our notice up to this date. Many 
of these defects must be known to the maker of these 
scales and it is more than likely that efforts have been 
made to correct and overcome them. 

Before making a statement concerning any particular 
scale, examine the scale closely and be sure that it does 
possess the defect or defects which you claim it possesses. 

It is neither the policy nor the desire of the company 
that any statements be made about any of our competi- 




Dayton No. 38. We are informed that this scale is no longer 
being manufactured, but salesmen may occasionally encounter it. 



tors or their machines which are not wholly and actually 
true down to the smallest particular. 

We want our salesmen to fight hard for business, but 
always to be absolutely fair. 

It is your duty and obligation to point out the de- 
fects of any scale which may be under consideration. 
But never put yourself and the company in the unfair 
and contemptible position of having stated an untruth 
or of having made any misrepresentation whatsoever. 
Engineering Department. 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 
34 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



One great objection to this type of scale is the 
fact that it is an even-balance scale, which is a type of 
scale upon which more overweight is given than any 
class of scales on the market. This arises from two 
causes : first, — on this type of scale the customers believe 
the pan should go down to insure their getting full 
weight. Because of this idea being so general with the 
trade, the grocer has to subscribe to this idea and ordi- 
narily does give downweight. (See further objections 
to even-balance scale under that heading, page 14.) 

The price on the computing cylinder has to be set by 
hand, which is always done with great liability to mis- 
take in setting or mistake in reading, both of which re- 
quire great care and consume considerable time. These 
defects are so pronounced that the grocer often gives up 
in disgust and will admit that he does not use the com- 
puting part, in which event he has paid a high price for 
a lop-sided, complicated even-balance scale while he 
could have bought one for a lower price which would 
have been just as good. 

Many of these scales do not compute correctly where 
fractional prices are used. This was clearly demon- 
strated by Wells Bros., of Chicago, who, when they 
found out that the scale did not compute correctly, re- 
fused to pay for it, took the matter into courts where it 
was demonstrated to the satisfaction of the court that it 
was incorrect, and the court therefore not only released 
them from paying their notes, but gave them a judgment 
against the manufacturers for the full amount they had 
already paid. 

The capacity of this scale is 27 pounds. To weigh 27 
pounds on this scale in a single draft, requires exactly 
twelve hand movements, ten of which are to put on and 
take off the weights and move the poise, and two of 
which are to put on and take off the commodity weighed, 
requiring the user to lift 100 pounds. 

In weighing 25 pounds on this scale, the two center 
bearings are compelled to support the entire weight of 
50 pounds. (25 pounds being in each pan) which is a 
great burden for two bearings to sustain, and often re- 
sults in the pivots becoming nicked and agates chipped 

35 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



and broken from time to time. This affects their sensi- 
tiveness and soon makes them unreliable and inaccurate 
in small drafts. To compute over 2 pounds a mental 
calculation is necessary and an additional one for each 
weight used. 

The so-called near-weight detector is often a delusion, 
or would be were it not for the fact that it is usually 
out of order anyway, so that the dealer never depends 
upon it. As it is, it stands as a confession of the maker 
that overweight is its greatest defect. 

These scales are usually shortlived on account of the 
bearings getting nicked and bruised by the jar of the 
scale. Every time you lift a weight from one side, the 
other sides goes down on the bearings with a bang, 
greatly to their injury. 

The slot in the computer on these scales being in front 
of the scale requires the passing of all goods over this 
slot. In consequence, it becomes a catch-all for dirt, 
sugar, lard, butter, and the different things that are 
weighed on the scale, so that the computer becomes 
filthy and unsightly and very much harder to read. 

The shift on these scales will sometimes vary from 
2 to 4 ounces. 

Careful study by the salesman of the mechanism of 
these scales and talks with those who have used and 
discarded them, may possibly reveal other serious defects. 
It is only just to point these out to those who are still 
clinging to this type of weighing device or those who 
are contemplating its purchase. 

Engineering Department. 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



36 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



DAYTON Nos. 120 AND 220, OR LIGHTHOUSE 

SCALE 




Note: — The No. 120 is the computing scale described, but the 
220 is quite similar in appearance and construction, practically the 
only difference being, we are informed, that it is not a computing 
scale. 

Toledo, Ohio, May 1, 1918. 

The defects, as explained, of the Dayton Nos. 120 and 
220, often known as the Lighthouse scale, apply generally 
to all such scales which have come to our notice up to 
this date. Many of these defects must be known to the 
maker of these scales and it is more than likely that 
efforts are being made to correct and overcome them. 

Before making a statement concerning any particular 
scale, examine the scale closely and be sure that it does 
possess the defect or defects which you claim it possesses. 

It is neither the policy nor the desire of the company 
that any statements be made about any of our competi- 

37 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



tors or their machines, which are not wholly and actually 
true down to the smallest particular. 

We want our salesmen to fight hard for business, but 
always to be absolutely fair. 

It is your duty and obligation to point out the defects 
of any scale which may be under consideration. But 
never put yourself and the company in the unfair and 
contemptible position of having stated an untruth, or of 
having made any misrepresentation whatsoever. 

Engineering Department, 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



Toledo, Ohio, May 1, 1918. 

One of the chief defects of these scales is that they 
are even-balance scales, the automatic feature being of 
use only up to two pounds capacity. They have many 
of the defects of the even-balance scale and quite a num- 
ber of their own. 

The automatic computing capacity is only two pounds. 

Prices computed up to the capacity of two pounds are 
from 10 cents to $1.00, making no computation less than 
10 cents per pound. At all prices from 10 cents to 80 
cents the lines on the chart are one-cent lines, but at 90 
cents and $1.00 the lines indicate five cents. As the ma- 
jority of prices used have one-cent graduations the user 
becomes accustomed to reading the one-cent line, so when 
using the prices 90 cents to $1.00, he is very liable to 
mistake a five-cent line for a one-cent line and so read it. 

Many of the computations are omitted. For example, 
if the lines on the chart at the prices 90 cents and $1.00, 
are five-cent graduations, there is no provision for the 
intermediate prices. Take another example, if 51, 52, 
54, 56, 57, 58 or 59 cents' worth is on the scale the user 
would be compelled to guess, the indication being in five- 
cent multiples only. 

38 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



On the chart the pound graduations are such heavy- 
lines that accurate reading is difficult. Demonstrate by 
pouring on some commodity, stopping on the left-hand 
edge of the pound graduation, noting the indication and 
then adding considerable weight showing that the hand 
will still remain on the line and that such wide lines 
permit serious inaccuracies in weighing. 

The chart is very hard to read at prices from 60 cents 
to 80 cents, because the one-cent marks all extend below 
the curved line which crowds them very closely together. 

The wire on the indicating hand throws shadows so 
that the shadow is liable to be mistaken for the wire and 
wrong reading results. Further, if the wire line covers 
up the cent indication, which should be read, it forces 
the user to calculate from the line just ahead of the wire 
or the one just following it. 

Since the automatic weighing capacity is only two 
pounds, loose weights have to be handled for the major 
part of the weighing, requiring hand operations which 
result in mistakes in calculations. In addition to this, the 
weights are almost certain to get lost, and they may 
become coated with oil, grease, dirt, dust, etc., thus 
rendering them inaccurate and necessitating the giving 
of large quantities of overweight. 

Putting on and off of loose weights causes somewhat 
the same sort of jarring on the bearings that occurs when 
loose weights are placed upon an ordinary even-balance 
scale. This jarring is not only noisy but soon destroys 
the sensitiveness of the scale, thus necessitating the giv- 
ing of large quantities of overweight. 

Since the indication of weight to the customer is 
limited to two pounds, the scale ignores the customer 
beyond that weight. 

The base of the scale being open, it is a catch-all for 
dirt. This can be seen by the customer, making a very 
bad impression, or else requiring the merchant to remove 
his scale frequently to clean the counter underneath. 

Owing to the base being open, crackers, cakes or other 
commodities are liable to drop through and lodge beneath 

39 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



the lever, interfering with the weighing or causing the 
merchant to give large quantities of overweight. 

There is apt to be considerable variation in the shift. 

The oil is liable to pump out of the dash-pot. 

The scale is cheaply constructed, having steel bearings 
in the housing instead of agate. This reduces the sensi- 
tiveness of the scale and makes it necessary to give over- 
weight in order to get what looks like an even balance. 

The scale has four leveling screws, which make it dif- 
ficult to level it upon the counter. 

Although the manufacturers claim that this scale 
eliminates the lifting of weights and the figuring of 
values, results which should be expected of a modern 
scale and which the manufacturers of this scale ap- 
parently realize are most desirable, this scale does not 
accomplish those results. It is necessary to lift weights 
and it is necessary to figure values except within a very 
narrow margin. 

Careful study by the salesmen of the mechanism of 
these scales and talks with those who have used and dis- 
carded them, may possibly reveal other serious defects. 
It is only just to point these out to those who are still 
clinging to this type of weighing device, or those who 
are contemplating its purchase. 

Engineering Department, 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



DAYTON BEAM SCALES 

Toledo, Ohio, May 1, 1918. 

The defects, as explained, of the Dayton Beam Scales, 
Nos. 1 and 2 and the Majestic No. 40, apply generally to 
all such scales which have come to our notice up to this 

40 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



date. Many of these defects must be known to the maker 
of these scales and it is more than likely that efforts are 
being made to correct and overcome them. 

Before making a statement concerning any particular 
scale, examine the scale closely and be sure that it does 
possess the defect or defects which you claim it possesses. 

It is neither the policy nor the desire of the company 
that any statements be made about any of our competi- 
tors or their machines which are not wholly and actually 
true down to the smallest particular. 

We want our salesmen to fight hard for business, but 
always to be absolutely fair. 

It is your duty and obligation to point out the de- 
fects of any scale which may be under consideration. 
But never put yourself and the company in the unfair 
and contemptible position of having stated an untruth 
or of having made any misrepresentation whatsoever. 

Engineering Department. 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



The chief objection to these scales is that they are 
beam scales. All beam scales are in about the same class 
and all have pretty much the same vices. The principle 
of having to balance the long beam in the center of the 
loop to get correct weight, renders errors unavoidable. 
The losses caused by overweights on beam scales have 
contributed more to the failure of grocers than any other 
one thing. In weighing a pound you can pour on 13, 14, 15, 
15^ and 153/4 ounces and you have weighed nothing, nor 
have you any indication of having weighed anything. 
As the first indication you get is when the beam starts 
to move, usually enough is put on to send beam to the 

41 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



top of the loop. This means overweight every time. 
After you reach the 16 oz., for which your scale is set, the 
weight suffici- 
ent to turn the 
scale, causing 
the beam to go 
to the top of 
the loop, you 
may then add 
1 ounce, 2 
ounces or 20 
pounds and the 
indication is the 
same. Such 
scales weigh at 
just one point 
only. If the 
scale is set 
for a pound 
you must have 
an exact 16 
ounces on your 
platform in or- 
der to get any 
indication. 
Anything below 
or above that 
weight leaves 

your scale perfectly dumb and you entirely in the dark 
as far as any indication of weight is concerned. This is 
why overweight is constantly occurring on these scales. 
The weight necessary to cause the beam to rise will in- 
variably cause it to go to the top of the loop instead of 
stopping in the center where the correct weight would be. 

The price always has to be set by hand by moving the 
frame, which has many complicated details, requiring 
careful attention of the eye as well as innumerable hand 
movements, demanding close attention to all these de- 
tails. The neglect of any one of these numerous details 
would result in mistakes. This focusing of the eye with 

42 




Dayton Nos. 1 and 2, and Majestic No. 40 

Dayton Nos. 1 and 2 are similar in construe^ 
tion, the main difference being the base. 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



additional hand movements to set the price, not only in- 
creases liability to mistake but also requires a great deal 
of time. 

Ask the dealer to weigh 4 cents worth of tea or coffee 
at 16 cents per pound, then 5 cents worth at 20 cents per 
pound, 15 cents worth at 60 cents per pound and 10 cents 
worth at 40 cents per pound, leaving the scale set at 40 
cents which is your last draft; put the four different 
weights on, which should be a pound and should show 40 
cents. Almost invariably, however, it will show from 41 
to 44 cents. Now set your scale at 20 cents per pound 
and make one draft of 5 cents worth, one of 10 cents and 
one of 5 cents, which should be a pound. Put them on 
your scale and you will find it to weigh from 20 to 22 
cents. The object in using the different prices is to 
cause the dealer to reset his scale from time to time. 
Now ask him to weigh out four separate drafts of i^ of a 
pound each and see if by combining them you have a cor- 
rect pound ; then take a pound and divide it into i/4 pound 
drafts. You will find the last one will seldom be an ex- 
act quarter. Weigh a 10-pound lot and try to weigh 
ten separate pounds from it. Weigh one cent's worth at 
16 cents per pound. 

Set your price to sell 10 cents worth of commodity at 
60 cents per pound, put your goods on so the scale bal- 
ances nicely then reset your scales to 59 cents, 58 cents, 
57 cents, 56 cents and 55 cents, and you will find the bal- 
ance will usually remain the same. Some scales will per- 
mit a shifting down as low as 50 cents, on this test. 

Set your price to 60 cents per pound; move the poise 
to 5 cents, put weight on to balance nicely on that basis 
-then move your poise to 4 cents, then to 6 cents and 7 
cents. You will find it will balance on any of these 
prices, showing a variation of 3 cents. 

It is impossible to weigh and compute on these scales 
at the same time. This greatly complicates the move- 
ments necessary in using these scales; is a great disad- 
vantage and greatly increases the work of the dealer, so 
much so that many dealers do not use the computing fea- 
tures of the scales at all, as they find the loss of time in 
doing so makes it impracticable, and in the future no mer- 

43 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



chant will dare to use a scale that does not show weight 
to customer. 

In taking the tare weight one must prepare the scale 
for this act by sliding the upper poise back to zero. 
This also complicates it and makes it exceedingly un- 
handy and annoying to the user. 

There is nothing to show when these scales are out 
of balance, which is a source of constant annoyance to 
the user, requiring him to put his poise back at zero and 
make a balancing test from time to time to insure that 
this scale is in balance. The balance ball of these scales 
is so placed that children are constantly meddling, 
throwing the scale out of balance and thereby compelling 
the dealer to make this balancing test often. 

The so-called near-weight detector is usually a delu- 
sion, or would be were it not for the fact that it is 
usually out of order anyway so that the dealer never de- 
pends upon it. 

The adjustable frame for setting the price rests on 
four steel wheels running on a steel track which rusts 
badly, also gets dirty and makes the frame hard to shift. 

These scales are very clumsily made and subject to 
excessive friction, having 26 bearings in all. The con- 
stant wear of steel against steel dulls the bearings, greatly 
affects sensitiveness of the scale, and the longer in use 
the less sensitive they are. The main or center bearing 
in the spider is a very heavy clumsy affair, contributing 
greatly to the friction in these scales. To show that so 
many bearings do increase friction, if you will break the 
beam with some commodity, then put on from 25 to 50 
pounds and break the beam again, you will find it takes 
a great deal more to break it with the heavier weight on, 
owing to the fact that the bearings have been crowded 
against each other by these weights. 

A point claimed for the Dayton Scale is the capacity 
in weighing. This great weighing capacity is a tempta- 
tion to the operator to overload the scale. No matter 
how sensitive the scale may be when new, by placing 40 
or 50 pounds of weight on the platform, the bearings are 
necessarily dulled and the result is that there is increased 
friction. Increased friction naturally calls for more 

44 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



weight to break the beam. As the friction increases, 
overweight, which is bad enough when the scale is new, 
is much increased. 

You can weigh on these scales $9.00 worth of goods 
at 3 cents per pound, which would mean a capacity of 300 
pounds. Think what it means to use a scale of that 
capacity on light drafts. To show the effects of these 
drafts on the bearings, put your scale at 40 cents per 
pound, getting a perfect balance ; then move it to 3 cents 
per pound, and then to 60 cents, and you will get a down 
balance in one case and an up balance in the other. 

A weight necessary to cause the beam to go from 
center of loop to top will show both weight and value on 
a Toledo. 

Careful study by the salesman of the mechanism of 
these scales and talks with those who have used and 
discarded them, may possibly reveal other serious defects. 
It is only just to point these out to those who are still 
clinging to this type of weighing device or those who 
are contemplating its purchase. 

Engineering Department. 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



DETROIT AUTOMATIC OR STIMPSON 
PLATFORM SCALE 

100 pound scale 

Toledo, Ohio, May 1, 1918. 

We now come to the 100-pound computing scale of 
the general type that is sold under the name of the 
Detroit Automatic or Stimpson No. 70-75, and is some- 
times known as the Fairbanks. 

The defects, as explained, of the Stimpson Computing 
Scale, sometimes known as the Detroit Automatic or 
Fairbanks, apply generally to all such scales which have 
come to our notice up to this date. Many of these defects 
must be known to the maker of these scales and it is 
more than likely that efforts are being made to correct 
and overcome them. 

45 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



Before making a statement concerning any particular 
scale, examine the scale closely and be sure that it does 
possess the defect or defects which you claim it possesses. 

It is neither the policy nor the desire of the company 
that any statements be made about any of our competi- 
tors or their machines which are not wholly and actually 
true down to the smallest particular. 

We want our salesmen to fight hard for business, but 
always to be absolutely fair. 

It is your duty and obligation to point out the de- 
fects of any scale which may be under consideration. 
But never put yourself and the company in the unfair 
and contemptible position of having stated an untruth 
or of having made any misrepresentation whatsoever. 
Engineering Department. 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



One of the very serious defects of this scale is the 
manner in which the tare beam lever may be easily 
rocked in its pivots. This, of course, means very rapid 
wear on the pivots. A sluggish scale necessitates the 
giving of large quantities of overweight. Another seri- 
ous objection is the fact that the poise at the end of the 
tare beam lever may easily swing back and forth, mak- 
ing it difficult to get prompt and accurate readings on 
the chart. Never lose sight of the fact that sensitiveness 
and accuracy in a scale are of more importance today 
than ever before. 

Where there is a glass platform, it is apt to become 
broken in weighing heavy drafts or become accidentally 
knocked off and broken, causing a delay and expense in 
replacement. 

The total capacity of the scale is 100 pounds, 10 
pounds on the chart, 10 pounds on the tare beam 
and 80 pounds by loose weights. (Does not apply to 
Fairbanks' Scale). To weigh to the total capacity, it is 
necessary to move the poise on the beam and to add 
many loose weights. After weighing, it is necessary to 

46 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



return the scale to its normal position, the poise to zero 
and remove the weights, making many time-consuming 
hand operations in which the possibilities of error are 
greatly multiplied. 

The loose weights may 
easily become lost, {does not 
apply to Fairbanks Scale) 
thereby materially decreas- 
ing the usefulness of the 
scale. These weights might 
also accumulate dirt to such 
an extent as to affect accu- 
racy in weighing. They are 
so handy for using as a 
hammer that they may get 
chipped or broken, causing 
the merchant to give short 
weight and thus lose cus- 
tomers. 

If a heavy draft 
is to be weighed 
and this heavy 
draft is placed on 
the scale before a 
sufficient number 
of counter-balanc- 
ing loose weights 
are placed on the 

hanger, it is a severe strain on the mechanism, as it 
causes the indicating hand to smash with tremendous 
force against the right hand side of the housing. 

The hanger on which the loose weights are placed 
when weighing heavy drafts is unprotected. This is 
dangerous because it is apt to rub against something and 
cause friction and also cause the merchant to give a large 
excess of weight. 

Some of these scales have been equipped with hand- 
operating computing cylinders located in a horizontal 
position on the housing, between the platter and the 
chart of the scale. Therefore, when large packages are 

47 




Detroit Automatic or Stimpson 



Other Scales and Their- Defects 



weighed, this hand-operated computing cylinder is often 
hidden from view, making it very difficult to read the 
values. Hand- ^ 

operated comput- _p/^ 

ing devices should ' ^^-.^-^^^ ^"'\ 

be placed in such f ,^^^.*, :; 

a position that |^-^^^^^,,^^_,,,^^_,,,,^„, _ _J: 

they can be easily 
read at all times, 
and will not ac- 
cumulate dirt. 



The price range 
on this scale is 
limited, only 33 
prices being 
shown on the in- 
dicator. 

The opening 
around the top 
edge of the base, 
between the plat- 
form and the up- 
right housing per- 
mits dirt to enter 
the base of the 
scale and accumu- 
late on the bear- 





This Stimpson 100-lb. Scale has a Hand Computing Cylinder 



ings, which will increase friction and cause inaccuracies 
in weighing. 



48 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



The opening in the back of the chart housing, through 
which the chart is read, is too narrow and makes the 
customers' reading difficult. 

The distance between fulcrum and load bearing pivots 
is very short. This has a tendency to multiply the error 
due to wear or any other defects in the pivots. The 
slightest wear of the load bearing pivot will throw the 
pivot range out very materially and cause inaccuracies in 
weighing due to the greater multiplication in the lever 
pivots. 

Tare beam lever pivots do not rest firmly in each 
bearing, most of the weight being carried on the outer 
pivot and bearing. This causes the tare beam lever to 
rest rather insecurely and to be easily shifted out of one 
bearing, or another, causing excessive wear to the pivot. 
These bearings are not enclosed or dust-proof. 

There is no safety device on the dash pot plunger to 
prevent injury to the pendulum and indicator when a 
heavy load is removed from the platform and the poise 
is shifted to the full capacity. 

The indication to the customer being too broad makes 
accurate reading of weight impossible. 

The irregular lines of the scale, the rough joining in 
the housing with hanger, the holder for loose weights 
projecting, make the scale unpleasing in appearance. 

Careful study by the salesman of the mechanism of 
these scales, and talks with those who have used and 
discarded them, may possibly reveal other serious defects. 
It is only just to point these out to those who are still 
clinging to this type of weighing device or those who 
are contemplating its purchase. 

Engineering Department. 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 
49 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



THE NATIONAL FAN SCALE 

Toledo, Ohio, May 1, 1918. 

The defects of the National Fan Scale, as explained, 
apply generally to all such scales which have come to 
our notice up to this date. Many of these defects must 
be known to the maker of these scales, and it is more 
than likely that efforts are being made to correct and 
overcome them. 



Before making a statement concerning any particular 
scale, examine the scale closely and be sure that it does 
possess the defect or defects which you claim it possesses. 

It is neither the 
policy nor the desire 
of the Company that 
any statements be 
made about any of 
our competitors or 
their machines which 
are not wholly and 
actually true down 
to the smallest par- 
ticular. 





Sometimes called "The National" and sometimes termed 
Jacobs Brothers, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Lancaster, Howe, Etc. 



We want our salesmen to fight hard for business, but 
always to be absolutely fair. 

50 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



It is your duty and obligation to tell the prospective 
purchaser of the scale all you may know about the con- 
struction of any scale under discussion. 

It is your duty and obligation to point out the de- 
fects of any scale which may be under consideration. 
But never put yourself and the Company in the unfair 
and contemptible position of having stated an untruth, 
or of having made any misrepresentation whatsoever. 
Engineering Department, 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 

On the preceding page we illustrate a scale sometimes 
termed "The National," sometimes called "The Jacobs 
Brothers," and, sometimes, we have heard, sold under 
other names. We claimed that this scale was a direct 
infringement of our patents, and when the matter was 
submitted to the courts we obtained an injunction against 
the makers of it. As you know, imitations seldom are 
equal in quality to the genuine, and if a merchant wants 
a fan scale of this type, he had better get a Toledo. If 
a merchant has one, surely it would be better to trade it 
out and get a Toledo. 

In addition to the fact that the courts granted us an 
injunction against the makers of this scale, there are a 
few little details, in which, like all imitations, it is not 
equal to the original. For example, two poises on the 
same beam is not considered good scale construction and 
yet this is one of the defects on this scale that is never 
found on a Toledo. And, although similar in construc- 
tion and principle to the Toledo fan type scale, this scale 
is not so finely or so carefully made, and thus most of 
the benefits, due to the Toledo principle, are lost. 

Careful study by the salesman of the mechanism of 
these scales and talks with those who have used and 
discarded them, may possibly reveal other serious defects. 
It is only just to point these out to those who are still 
clinging to this type of weighing device or those who are 
contemplating its purchase. 

Engineering Department, 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 
51 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



SPRING SCALES 

A spring to counterbalance the load, is a spring 
whether we find it in one make of scale or another. 
Therefore, we shall treat the whole subject of springs 
in scales before we proceed to the discussion of the dif- 
ferent makes of spring scales. There is no advantage in 
repeating the same matter over and over again under the 
head of each separate make of spring scale. 

An entire volume might easily be written on the sub- 
ject of the unreliability of springs when used to counter- 
balance the load in any sort of a weighing device. Look 
at the illustration below. It will appeal even to the un- 

Why spring scales are wrong 




Which will remain the same week after week? 



technical mind. Anyone knows that the spring will 
stretch, but that weight balanced against weight will al- 
ways remain constant. 

Good encyclopaedias refer to the fact that springs are 
not reliable where precision is required, for springs vary 
with the temperature, and also with continued use. In 
other words a spring in a scale is never exactly the same 
as it was on the day that spring was adjusted and sent out. 

52 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



But in addition to that variation in a spring which takes 
place as it gets older, springs vary constantly from day 
to day owing to changes in temperature. It is true that 
in some cases the variations in spring scales are slight, 
but we take the position that a scale should be as nearly 
accurate as it is possible for human ingenuity to make 
it, and that no merchant can afford to place upon his 
counter a weighing device in which there are even slight 
variations. Consider that only a half ounce of over- 
v/eight on a pound transaction robs the average mer- 
chant of over 30% of his profit on that transaction, and 
you can understand why we are so firmly convinced that 
springs should not be put into a scale for counterbalanc- 
ing the load. 

Then, the fact that the present high prices and the 
limited space in small kitchens and kitchenettes that are 
now so common, result in a great many more half and 
quarter pound drafts being made today than ever before. 
Well, if a half ounce on a pound transaction robs a mer- 
chant of over 30% of his profit, it robs him of over 60% 
on a half pound transaction and turns the transaction 
into a serious loss when he gives a half ounce over- 
weight on a quarter pound transaction. 

Inventors have for years been trying to perfect a lock 
that could be operated without the use of a spring, be- 
cause they realize the unreliability of springs; also 
because they realize their tendency to rust and corrode 
and change their tension and cause trouble in numerous 
other ways. 

The sidereal clocks in the observatories are never 
operated by springs, but are always pendulum operated 
on the same standard, everlasting gravity principle as the 
Toledo Scale. 

Now comes an amusing feature of the controversy 
that has for a long time raged between us and the mak- 
ers of spring scales. When the eternally correct Toledo 
gravity principle was first put into an automatic comput- 
ing scale, the makers of spring scales did not attempt to 
apologize for their springs. They approached the mer- 
chant as if a spring in a scale to counterbalance the load 
was an absolutely correct construction and accepted as 
correct. 



53 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



But presently when we began to point out the fact 
that springs should not be used in a scale, the manu- 
facturers began to make excuses for their springs; they 
began to say that springs were all right because they 
were tested and found to be all right. And then they 
said that the variation was so trifling that it did not 
amount to anything. It went along in this way for 
quite a while and then they made an astounding admis- 
sion. One manufacturer came out with a circular en- 
titled "A Great Discovery," in which he informed the 
users of scales that spring scales were inaccurate, that 
everybody knew that spring scales were inaccurate and 
that therefore they had perfected a device to correct this 
inaccuracy. This was rather good when you consider 
that for years they had been claiming that the inaccuracy 
of spring scales was so trifling that it did not matter. 

Well, things went along this way for a while, until 
v/e pointed out that the thermostat, which was the de- 
vice supposed to correct the error of the springs, was not 
behaving in the manner intended by its makers. We 
knew from the start that it would not. 

Apparently the makers of spring scales and the 
thermostat realized about the same time that the thermo- 
stat was a selling scheme because hand adjustment de- 
vices were retained on their scales. So it was still pos- 
sible, by means of this hand-adjustment device to bring 
the scale to a false zero, which looked all right to the 
customer, although, of course, there were serious inac- 
curacies at all points from zero to capacity. 

All of this looks rather ridiculous when the facts are 
brought together in this close relationship, and we see 
how the makers of spring scales have reversed them- 
selves on the subject of springs. So it all sums up to 
this — that the springs have failed, that the hand-regulat- 
ing device has failed, that the thermostat has failed, and 
that there doesn't seem to be any other sort of device 
that can be piled onto a spring scale to correct something 
that is fundamentally and eternally wrong. Why fuss 
with something that is fundamentally wrong, when 
scales built on the correct Toledo gravity principle are 
so easy to obtain? 

54 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



Every merchant knows that the public is suspicious 
of spring scales; every merchant who has given the 
matter a moment's thought realizes the value of the 
Toledo slogan "No Springs — Honest Weight." The 




If Spring Scales are all right, why do we hear so many contradictory 
excuses for them? 

value of this slogan is partly due to the fact that the 
public suspects a spring scale of being inaccurate. No 
merchant would use a spring scale if it bore plainly the 
sign "This is a Spring Scale." The springs are some- 
thing to conceal, or at least the fact that they are used 
to counterbalance the load. This brings us to another 
amusing feature. 

Some spring scale salesmen (we can hardly believe 
that the manufacturers have authorized this) have gone 
so far as to tell merchants that the springs in their scales 
were not used to counterbalance the load, but were 
merely for the purpose of pulling the chart back to zero. 
Well, this is so ridiculous that it hardly needs mentioning, 
were it not for the fact that there are a great many people 
who do not know anything about the mechanism of a 
scale and who might be temporarily deceived by such a 
statement. Of course, a moment's thought shows you 
that there would have to be an a awful lot of friction in 
a scale to make it necessary for the addition of two 
strong springs to bring the chart back to zero every time 
a weighing was made. Any merchant could prove, to his 

55 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



own satisfaction, that springs are used to counterbalance 
the load by unhooking the connection between the nose 
of the main lever and the springs whether it be made 
through a compensating bar or in any other way. And, 
of course, the fact that spring scale salesmen go to such 
lengths to apologize for springs, proves that they know 
them to be wrong. 

In connection with the whole subject of springs, it 
will perhaps be well for us to speak of the claim that has 
been made by some manufacturers of spring scales and 
by some badly-informed scale salesmen, that our steel 
band connecting the main lever and the pendulum of 
the Toledo Scale is just as unreliable and just as subject 
to variations due to lapse of time and change in tempera- 
ture as a spring. To anyone who has even a superficial 
understanding of the laws of physics, this contention will, 
of course, be extremely ridiculous. But since many of us 
have not knowledge of this sort, it may sometimes be 
necessary to demonstrate the absurdities of this argu- 
ment. 

To begin with, the steel band in our cylinder scale 
will stand a 200 pound pull without breaking or stretch- 
ing to a degree that would in the slightest affect the 
accuracy of the scale. Now note this particularly, that 
although the band will stand a tension of 200 pounds, 
in actual use with weight on the platter to the capacity 
of the scale, there is only about a 5 pound tension on 
this band. Therefore there is no possibility of its 
stretching. 

The steel band in a Toledo Scale does not in any way 
perform the function of a weighing spring. The function 
it does perform, is that of a belt to convey movement 
from one moving part to another. Any other flexible 
material made in the form of a band or thin belt would 
answer the purpose just as well, but would not remain 
permanent, hence the steel band. 

Now as to the possibility of this band expanding or 
contracting, due to heat and cold, to a sufficient degree 
to affect the accuracy of the scale, please note the follow- 
ing: this band is about 4^ inches in length. Hence the 
natural expansion due to heat and cold would be so in- 

56 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



finitesimal that it could not possibly affect the accuracy 
of the scale. But the claim made by the makers of 
spring scales that this band does expand and contract 
is just a further confession of the weakness of a spring. 
Each of the springs in a scale contains from 8 to 12 feet 
of wire, or say an average of 10, making a total of 20 feet 
in the two springs. Now 20 feet is just about 53 times 
as long as the 4^ inches of our steel band. Therefore, 
if our steel band did expand and contract to a sufficient 
degree to affect the accuracy of the scale, a spring scale 
would have an error 53 times as great. In other words, 
the springs have just 53 times as much variation as the 
steel band. 

Do we need any other argument against springs? 
It seems as if every defense that was brought up for 
them merely resulted in further proof of their utter un- 
fitness in an instrument of precision. 

Perhaps one of the strongest arguments to be brought 
against springs in scales would be that in many European 
countries spring scales are forbidden by law in retail 
establishments. It is pretty generally con ^ded that 
more attention has been paid in Europe to the safe- 
guarding of the public than in this country. But there 
is a strong tendency in this country to be more particular 
in matters of this sort. The public is becoming gradu- 
ally educated, the cost of living is sharpening their wits 
on subjects of this sort and spring scales are almost cer- 
tain to become more and more unpopular. 



HANGING SPRING BALANCE 

Toledo, Ohio, May 1, 1918. 

The defects, as explained, of the ordinary Hanging 
Spring balance, apply generally to all such scales which 
have come to our notice up to this date. Many of these 
defects must be known to the maker of these scales and 
it is more than likely that efforts are being made to cor- 
rect and overcome them. 

Before making a statement concerning any particular 
scale, examine the scale closely and be sure that it does 

57 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



possess the defect or defects which you claim it possesses. 
It is neither the policy nor the desire of the company 
that any statements be made about any of our competi- 
tors or their machines which are not wholly and actually 
true down to the smallest particular. 

We want our salesmen to fight hard for business, but 
always to be absolutely fair. 

It is your duty and obligation to point out the de- 
fects of any scale which may be under consideration. 
But never put yourself and the company in the unfair and 
contemptible position of having stated an untruth or of 
having made any misrepresentation whatsoever. 

Engineering Department. 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



The chief objection to these scales is that they are 
spring-operated, the spring counterbalancing the load. 
This applies, of course, whether it is a computing scale 
or merely a weighing device. Some of these hanging 
spring scales have a computing chart and some of them 
merely indicate weight. But in either case the fact that 
they are spring scales is one of the biggest objections to 
them. 

In addition to the fact that these hanging scales are 
spring scales, we should consider that they do not guar- 
antee honest weights or values. Many of them do not 
compute, compeling the merchant to make vexatious 
calculations which constantly result in costly errors. The 
scale is out of date and puts the merchant down as a 
back number, makes customers suspicious and drives 
away trade. 

It very likely loses for the merchant in cash every 
month an amount equal to the cost of good weighing 
equipment. 

One of the causes of extreme inaccuracy in this type 
of scale is the fact that it swings back and forth and pre- 
vents the indicating hand from coming to rest. The mer- 

58 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



chant, therefore has to guess at the weight, making this 
scale truly a guessing machine. 

There are two read- 
ing lines in many scales 
of this type, so that the 
short man sees a dif- 
ferent weight from the 
weight that the scale 
indicates to the tall 
man. Where the scale 
is merely a weighing 
scale and hasn't the 
computing feature, the 
indicating hand is, as 
a rule, too far from the 
dial so that the mer- 
chant has to guess at 
the indication and the 
customer has to guess 
whether or not she 
got what she paid for. 
Most of them have very 
wide graduations so 
that it is very easy to 
give nearly a full ounce 
overweight without 
realizing what the mer- 
chant is throwing away. 

Careful study by 

the salesman of the 

mechanism of these 

scales, and talks with 

those who have used 

and discarded them, 

may possibly reveal 

other serious defects that it is only just to point out to 

those who are still clinging to this type of weighing 

device or those who are contemplating its purchase. 

Engineering: Department. 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 




Hanging Spring Balance Scale with 
Computing Chart. Those of the ordi- 
nary type are similar in general ap- 
pearance but have a clock face dial. 



59 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



DETROIT AUTOMATIC CYLINDER 
SPRING SCALE 

Toledo, Ohio, May 1, 1918. 

The defects, as explained, of the Detroit Automatic 
Computing Cylinder Spring Scale, apply generally to all 
such scales which have come to our notice up to this date. 
Many of these defects must be known to the maker of 
these scales and it is more than likely that efforts are 
being made to correct and overcome them. 

Before making a statement concerning any particular 
scale, examine the scale closely and be sure that it does 
possess the defect or defects which you claim it possesses. 

It is neither the policy nor the desire of the company 
that any statements be made about any of our competitors 
or their machines which are not wholly and actually true 
down to the smallest particular. 

We want our salesmen to fight hard for business, but 
always to be absolutely fair. 

It is your duty and obligation to point out the de- 
fects of any scale which may be under consideration. 
But never put yourself and the company in the unfair 
and contemptible position of having stated an untruth 
or of having made any misrepresentation whatsoever. 

Engineering Department. 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



One of the chief objections to the Detroit Automatic 
30 pound scale is that it is a spring weighing device. 
There are two springs, both of which are hidden inside 
the column directly under the center of the chart cyl- 
inder. Look on page 52 for the detailed objections to 

60 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



the use of springs for counterbalancing the load in any 
sort of a weighing device requiring accuracy. In addi- 
tion to the fact that the Detroit automatic cylinder scale 
Model 120 is a spring scale, there are several other 
serious defects which it is proper that the prospective 
purchaser should understand. 

The lever fulcrum pivots are exposed to dirt and dust. 
They are apt soon to become fouled and render the scale 
exceedingly sluggish and far from accurate. There are 
no positive means for holding the pivots in the proper 
place. The result of this is that if the pivots become 
loosened, they will throw the whole platform out of bal- 
ance, resulting in the most serious inaccuracies. 

There is no shock absorbing device between the lever 
and rack to protect the rack and pinion from injury due 
to sudden jars or shocks when a heavy load is suddenly 
placed upon the platter. The consequence of this is that 
the rack and pinion wear very fast, resulting in inaccura- 
cies. And such a strain is put upon the chart shaft and 
on the connections between it and the chart that the 
whole indicating mechanism is apt to be thrown very 
badly out of the correct position, resulting in serious in- 
accuracies in weighing. 

From a mechanical standpoint the workmanship of 
the scale does not seem thorough or of the first class. 

The method of fastening the base to the column is not 
in our opinion the best and is apt to cause the connection 
between the main lever and the indicating mechanism to 
get out of place and result in inaccuracies. 

The hand-operated device for bringing the chart to 
zero is difficult to get at. It is on the side of the scale 
opposite the merchant and in order to get to it, it is neces- 
sary to remove a plate. 

The connection between the two rack rods is frail in 
appearance and gives the impression that it might easily 
be warped or bent, causing inaccuracies in weighing. 

61 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



There is a funnel-shaped top to the dash-pot which 
collects dirt and dust, fouls the dash-pot and will ulti- 
mately result in serious inaccuracies in weighing. 




20-Pound Capacity Detroit Automatic Spring Scale 



The leveling screws in this scale because of their lo- 
cation under the base are difficult to operate. 



62 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



A circular issued by the Standard Computing Scale' 
Company, Detroit, announces that the Detroit Automatic 
Spring Computing Scale shown on page 62 is an infringe- 
ment of their Letters Patent No. 40,157 and No. 1,001,202; 
that they have started suit against twelve purchasers of 
this scale and the manufacturers. Of course, we cannot 
tell how this suit will be decided, but for the present at 
least, prospective purchasers of this scale should be ad- 
vised of the fact that there is litigation over it. 

Careful study by the salesman of the mechanism of 
these scales, and talks with those who have used and 
discarded them, may possibly reveal other serious defects. 
It is only just to point these out to those who are still 
clinging to this type of weighing device or those who are 
contemplating its purchase. 

Engineering Department. 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



STANDARD COMPUTING SCALE 

Toledo, Ohio, May 1, 1918. 

The defects, as explained below, of the Standard 
Computing Spring Scale, apply generally to all such 
scales which have come to our notice up to this date. 
Many of these defects must be known to the maker of 
these scales and it is more than likely that efforts are 
being made to correct and overcome them. 

Before making a statement concerning any particular 
scale, examine the scale closely and be sure that it does 
possess the defect or defects which you claim it possesses. 

It is neither the policy nor the desire of the company 
that any statements be made about any of our competi- 
tors or their machines which are not wholly and actually 
true down to the smallest particular. 

We want our salesmen to fight hard for business, but 
always to be absolutely fair. 

It is your duty and obligation to point out the de- 
fects of any scale which may be under consideration. 

63 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



But never put yourself and the company in the unfair 
and contemptible position of having stated an untruth or 
cf having made any misrepresentation whatsoever. 
Engineering Department. 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



One of the principal objections to the Standard is 
that it is a spring weighing device. There are two 
springs, both in the center column. 

Look on page 52 for the detailed objections to the use 
of springs for counterbalancing the load in any sort of a 
weighing device requiring accuracy. 

The earlier Standard 
Scales were equipped with 
a hand-operated knob be- 
low the cylinder to adjust 
the chart to the zero posi- 
tion. This altered the 
length and elasticity of 
the weighing springs. On 
later types this knob was 
equipped with a dial upon 
which were figures and 
graduations. The dial 
was to be turned by hand 
to an indication corre- 
sponding with the tem- 
perature as indicated by 
a thermometer. 

This dial adjust- 
ment did not, how- 
ever, assure the 
correct weighing of 
the scale from zero 
to its full capacity. 

On still later types, Standard Computing Spring Scale 

the temperature dial was located below the platter on 
the main weighing lever. 

64 




Other Scales and Their Defects 



On later types of the Standard scale the temperature 
dial was located below the platter on the main weighing 
lever. This makes three different hand-operated devices 
which have been employed in efforts to overcome the in- 




Another Type of Standard Computing Spring Scale 

herent defect in the springs. Every such device must be 
watched and an effort made to adjust it by hand to cor- 
respond with the temperature, which effort is nearly al- 
ways futile, as no one but an expert could ordinarily ad- 

65 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



just such a scale so it would weigh correctly at all points 
from zero to caj)acity. In many of these Standard Scales 
observed by us in different stores, the indication on the 
adjustment dial did not correspond with the temperature 
of the room, showing that these adjustments are not 
taken seriously by the merchant. 

Now consider those disadvantages in the Standard 
that are in addition to its being a spring weighing device. 

The weight indication exhibited on the customer's 
side and the weight indication on the merchant's side are 
on separate charts. In many instances these charts have 
changed position with relation to each other, causing a 
difference between the weight indication on the mer- 
chant's side and the weight indication on the customer's 
side, resulting, of course, in wrong indication of values 
and serious misunderstandings between merchant and 
customer. 

Older types are equipped with brass scrolls, the finish 
of which soon wears off. They also accumulate dirt and 
verdigris, giving the scale an unpleasing appearance and 
producing an unsanitary condition. 

Another defect of the Standard is that scales must be 
set level to weigh correctly and that these scales of the 
older type are not provided with means for determining 
when they are level on the counter. This has been pro- 
vided for on later types. Few counters are in perfect 
level and many users, not knowing this and thinking 
that the scale does not stand at zero because of the 
temperature, set the scale at zero by means of the temper- 
ature dial when this is not the trouble at all and the scale 
merely needs to be set level. This causes additional in- 
accuracies which increase as weight is added. 

In the past. Standard scales were equipped with 
swivel bases. Many of them now in use must still have 
these bases. In view of this fact, a letter sent out by 
the Standard Computing Scale Company, Ltd., of Detroit, 
Michigan, is of interest. This is the letter: 

"SWIVEL BASE SCALES 

DO NOT SELL THEM 

"Ours have a better swivel than any other scale, but when 

complaints are investigated, it is always found 'the scale has been 

moved and the merchant did not level it.' In time they begin to 

rock and become unsatisfactory. 

66 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



"Explain this to the merchant and he will not want them. 

"TWo years ago 25 per cent of our sales were swivel base 
scales. Now the percentage is less than 5 per cent. 

"The 20th Century with new base is the best for the merchant 
and does not cause trouble. 

THE STANDARD COMPUTING SCALE COMPANY, Ltd." 



Note they instruct their salesmen not to sell swivel 
base scales. We have long taken the position that the 
swivel base was unsatisfactory even when most care- 
fully made. 

Merchants who are using or contemplate purchasing 
spring scales equipped with swivel base, whether Stand- 
ard scales or of some other manufacture, should be in- 
formed of the experience of the Standard Computing 
Scale Company, Ltd. If the manufacturers themselves 
admit that spring scales with swivel bases, become un- 
satisfactory and consequently inaccurate, it is very 
certain that the situation is quite grave. 

There are thirteen bearings in the Standard Scale, nine 
of which are load-supporting. This is about twice as 
many as are found in Toledo Scales. The consequence 
of unnecessary bearings is, of course, reduced sensitive- 
ness, meaning greater inaccuracies in weighing. 

In the earlier types there is no positive means for 
fastening the glass platter to the scale, consequently on 
these scales there is continuous danger of the platter 
getting knocked off and broken, causing a delay and ex- 
pense in replacement. 

Compare the beautiful Toledo scale with electric light 
equipment with the Standard electric scale with its 
make-shift arrangement. It seems very crude and in- 
complete. The electric light is not automatic, but must 
be turned on or off when the merchant desires to use it. 

Consider some of the claims made for the Standard 
and the perfectly obvious replies. 

67 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



CLAIMS MADE BY THE STANDARD SCALE 
COMPANY FOR THEIR 20TH CENTURY SCALE 

1. "It is the most artistic looking scale ever placed on 
a merchant's counter." 

The real art in a scale, if the term can be applied 
to a scale at all, relates to its utility, permanence and 
accuracy. These are not evident in the Standard's 
general design. It is all out of proportion, and is too 
light and frail for a machine designed to do and continue 
to do accurate weighing. Even though it were the most 
artistic looking scale, what profit or satisfaction is there 
to be derived if the real qualities which stand for art in 
a scale — utility, permanence and accuracy — are lacking? 
It cannot be said a scale is permanent or accurate that 
has a regulator which requires constant manipulation to 
bolster up inherent defects in the most prominent feature 
of its principle of construction — the springs. Can this 
be called artistic, or does it lend value to the misleading 
words "the most artistic looking scale"? 

2. "The production of this scale costs more than any 
other." 

If this were true, would it necessarily add value to a 
scale? Isn't it true that it could be made of pure gold 
and yet be worthless as an accurate weighing machine, 
which is the sole purpose of a scale? If it does cost 
more, might it not be due to mechanical inefficiency in 
the factory where the scale is built? There are no other 
reasons why the scale should cost as much as the Toledo. 

3. "All metal trimming parts in solid bronze and all 
bearings are polished agates. Spring construction full 
nickel plated." 

Ornamented trimmings do not add value to a scale. 
On the contrary, they are difficult to keep clean, soon 
corrode, and become unsightly and unsanitary. Plating 
a spring does not add value to it when it is used as the 
most delicate part of the weighing mechanism of the 
scale. To nickel plate a steel spring it is necessary first 
to apply a coat of copper and then the nickel. The na- 
ture of copper and nickel is similar to that of lead — in 
other words, there is little resilience in either. There- 
fore, to apply a coat of each of those to steel has a 

68 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



tendency to and does interfere with the resilience of a 
spring such as is used in Standard Scales. 

4. "Glass platform clean and sanitary." 

The Toledo also uses glass of the finest quality ob- 
tainable. 

5. *'Our patent weighing platform support insures 
durability and accuracy. No heavy lead counterpoise 
used." 

The Toledo platform is the best and simplest; other 
scale companies from time to time have referred to our 
counterpoise as an objection, but scale engineers are the 
only ones competent to judge on this matter and scale 
engineers know that the Toledo is the best. If any other 
lever system were better we could and would make it. 

6. "The value and weight figures are largely magni- 
fied so the reading of them is made easy." 

This claim has no significance, as the advantage they 
claim is due entirely to the magnifying glass, which they 
buy in the open market. It is evident that everyone could 
buy and use the same, if they chose to. There is one 
superiority the Toledo can claim. For the Toledo cyl- 
inder scale there are over forty (40) different charts of 
different capacities, different price ranges, different styles 
and sizes of figures. The Standard, we are informed, has 
less than one-tenth of that number. 

7. "Vibration perfectly regulated by our patented 
polar oil pump, which is not affected by cold or heat." 

The Toledo was the first to perfect and use this 
principle for regulating the vibration of a scale. The 
design of the Toledo damping device is far superior. 
The points of superiority claimed by the Standard merely 
reflect credit on the Toledo, inasmuch as the Toledo has 
used the principle much longer and developed it to 
a much higher state of perfection than the Standard. 
Note the funnel-shaped top or cover of the Standard 
polar oil pump. It is a perfect receptacle for dirt. 

8. "No other cylinder scale can compare with ours 
in weighing and computing capacity or in weighing and 
computing prices per pound." 

The greatest capacity of charts of Standard Scales 
ranges from 20-30 pounds, with a price range of from 

69 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



4-75 cents. Capacity of Toledo Cylinder Scale charts 
ranges from 10-50 pounds, with various price ranges to 
as high as $1.00. 

9. "Everything that is good or necessary in a com- 
puting scale is used in the 20th Century Scale." 

Two springs are necessary in a Standard Scale but are 
neither good nor necessary in other computing scales. 

It is also necessary for the Standard Scale's electric 
lighting feature to be in constant contact and always 
consuming power, otherwise it is necessary to turn the 
current on and off by hand every time the scale is used. 
Is this a necessary or good feature? The Toledo Scale 
is automatically lighted every time a commodity is placed 
on the platform, and only remains lighted as long as the 
commodity is on the platform. 

Does the so-called "regulator" on a Standard Scale 
actually regulate? It is claimed for the Standard Scale 
regulator that if set to register with the thermometer or 
temperature in the room the scale will register at zero. 
Isn't it a fact that two Standard Scales sitting side by 
side in the same room are often known to have the reg- 
ulator in one instance set at 30^ while in the other it is 
set at 80^, with the temperature in the room perhaps 70° 
and both scales at zero? This, we believe, fully justi- 
fies the attitude of the courts of the State and City of 
New York that this device, as designed, will facilitate the 
perpetration of a fraud. 

It is important to understand that Standard Com- 
puting Scales up to a very short time ago were not 
permitted to be used in New York State or in the City 
of Cincinnati. 

Recently the Standard people equipped their scale 
with a thermostat or automatic compensating device, 
which brings the scale within the requirements of the 
law and permits it to be used in New York state. This 
does not, however, necessarily render the scale reliable 
or accurate. 

If a Standard scale offered outside of New York State 
or outside of the City of Cincinnati, is not equipped with 

70 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



an automatic compensating device, ask the Standard 
salesman why he does not offer his latest scale. 

10. "The spring construction guaranteed for ten 
years." 

These springs which the Standard Scale Company 
guarantees should actually cost about 6 cents apiece. Do 
they really guarantee the scales in which these springs 
are used to weigh accurately without constant re-adjust- 
ment? They merely guarantee that the springs will be 
as good at the end of ten years as they were when the 
scale was first bought, and no one can tell how poor 
they were then. 

11. "It is the best earning fixture in a store." 

If properly constructed and operated, a computing 
scale is the best earning fixture in a store. But a spring 
scale needing constant manipulation of the regulator to 
enable it to approach accuracy and having many bearings 
liable to increase friction is much less likely to give 
honest weight and value than the Toledo Scale. 

Careful study by the salesman of the mechanism of 
these scales, and talks with those who have used and 
discarded them, m.ay possibly reveal other serious defects. 
It is only just to point these out to those who are still 
clinging to this type of weighing device or those who are 
contemplating its purchase. 

Engineering Department. 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



71 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



DAYTON No. 61 TYPE SCALE 

Toledo, Ohio, May 1, 1918. 

Note particularly the objections to the Dayton 61 
type scale, because many merchants, desiring a scale 
that vvill hang over the counter leaving all counter space 
free, have bought this scale without understanding v^hat 
they were sacrificing for that small advantage. 

The defects, as explained, of the Dayton No. 61 type 
computing spring scale, apply generally to all such scales 
which have come to our notice up to this date. Many 
of these defects must be known to the maker of these 
scales and it is more than likely that efforts are being 
made to correct and overcome them. 

Before making a statement concerning any particular 
scale, examine the scale closely and be sure that it does 
possess the defect or defects which you claim it possesses. 

It is neither the policy nor the desire of the company 
that any statements be made about any of our competitors 
or their machines which are not wholly and actually true 
down to the smallest particular. 

We want our salesmen to fight hard for business, but 
always to be absolutely fair. 

It is your duty and obligation to point out the de- 
fects of any scale which may be under consideration. 
But never put yourself and the company in the unfair 
and contemptible position of having stated an untruth or 
of having made any misrepresentation whatsoever. 

Engineering Department. 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



One of the principal defects of the Dayton No. 61 
is that it is a spring weighing device. The springs are 
hidden from view but can be seen by taking off the metal 
covers at each end of the chart housing. 

72 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



Look on page 52 for the detailed objections to the use 
of springs for counterbalancing the load in any sort of a 
o weighing device requiring 

accuracy. 

The makers of this scale 
in a circular entitled "The 
Science of Scale Building," 
make the following fatal 
admission and false claim: 
"This illustration shows the 
refrigerator test of our pat- 
ented and exclusive thermo- 
static device which regulates 
the springs and compensates 
for any variance in their con- 
traction and expansion in 
hot and cold weather." 

This is a false claim be- 
cause the thermostat does 
not overcome the variations 
due to the contraction and 
expansion of springs. It is 
Dayton No. 61 ^"^^^ useless for us to waste 

a lot of space in affirming 
this. All we can say is that wherever you have an oppor- 
tunity to make the test, put any spring scale equipped 
with a thermostat in an oven and test it, and then put 
it in an ice box and test it. Then you will have proved 
for yourself that the thermostat has failed and failed 
completely. 

But to return to those objections to the Dayton No, 
61 that we must consider in addition to the objection 
that it is a spring operated weighing device. 

The crude cylinder shaft bearings in many scales of 
this type cause excessive friction, resulting in inaccura- 
cies in weighing. Some of these shaft bearings are only 
holes bored in brass plates in which the cylinder chart 
shaft revolves. 

To control the vibration of the chart, the scale is 
equipped with a damping device consisting of two metal 

73 




Other Scales and Their Defects 



cylinders in which metal plungers operate. The means 
for resistance is air instead of oil, and the rubbing of 
the plungers on the sides of the dry tubes produces ex- 
cessive friction and causes further inaccuracies in weigh- 
ing. The action of these close-fitting plungers also sucks 
dirt and dust into the tubes, causing them to become 
dirty and corroded, creating still more friction. The 
long sleeve bearings where the racks are connected to 
what is called the equalizing bar, being exposed, become 
dirty and corroded, producing more friction in the action 
of the rack and pinion. 

The use of two racks and two pinions to revolve the 
chart is entirely unnecessary and, in our opinion, wrong 
in principle. And it must be plain even to the lay mind 
that the additional and unnecessary number of working 
parts increases friction. 

Note these four serious causes of unnecessary friction. 
The crude cylinder shaft bearings, the two metal cylin- 
ders or plungers which are used to control the vibration 
of the chart, the long sleeve bearings and the use of two 
racks and two pinions to revolve the chart, instead of one 
of each. Any one of these would cause serious inaccura- 
cies, but when combined they multiply the error many 
times. 

Nov/ here is another objection piled on top of those. 
As the great majority of weighings are of small drafts, 
the plunger in the damping device ordinarily moves only 
a limited distance. This allows dirt and corrosion to ac- 
cumulate on the unused surface of the cylinders, so that 
when a weighing in excess of the average draft is made, 
a still greater amount of friction is produced. In other 
words, in these scales friction is piled on top of friction 
until it would seem that any hope of even approximate 
accuracy must vanish. 

As this scale has only 24 prices per pound, it is unsat- 
isfactory in places where any considerable trade and 
where any large variation of prices exist. 

The old chart with a 24 pound capacity contains 4,608 
money value computations, of which 3,072 are incorrectly 
placed. This, in many cases, results in loss to the 

74 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



customers. Owing to our activity in exposing this false 
chart it is no longer being put into this scale as far as we 
know, but many of these scales with these crooked charts 
must still be in use. 

In these scales, where the merchant's indicator for 
values consists of a red line engraved on the glass, the 
line is so far from the chart as to make accurate reading 
of the values almost impossible. In other scales of this 
type no reading line is fixed, leaving the user to read the 
value figure most acceptable to him, accurate reading 
being absolutely impossible. 

The weight indicator on the customer's side being 
broad and far from the chart makes accurate reading of 
the weights by customer almost impossible. 

On the merchant's side of the scale, the indicator for 
weight and the indicators for values are three separate 
devices, often not in perfect alignment, resulting in inac- 
curate indication of weights and values. 

A hanging scale constructed as is this No. 61, must 
inevitably swing from side to side or back and forth in 
the operation of weighing, thus making the indicating 
chart tremble and causing extreme difficulty in accurate 
reading of weight and money values. 

The springs in these scales, as in most spring scales, 
are under considerable tension even when the scales are 
set at zero. This tension or continual strain upon the 
springs ranges from 6 to 10 pounds, according to the 
particular type of scale. 

The general design and cheap appearance of this 
scale, its springs together with the several causes of ex- 
cessive friction, its false charts and chiefly the many 
court decisions against it and scathing public denuncia- 
tions of it, make its use by any merchant not only ex- 
tremely unwise, but almost prohibitive. 

Further proof of the undesirability of Dayton Money- 
weight barrel-shaped spring balance computing scales is 
that thousands of the most successful merchants have 
discarded them and substituted Toledos. Why have 

75 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



they done this? Why have the cleverest merchants gone 
to an enormous expense of this sort? There is a power- 
ful reason why experienced business men act in this 
manner. 

Careful study by the salesmen of the mechanism of 
these scales, and talks with those who have used and 
discarded them, may possibly reveal other serious defects. 
It is only just to point these out to those who are still 
clinging to this type of weighing device or those who are 
contemplating its purchase. 

Engineering Department. 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



76 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



DAYTON No. 115 TYPE SCALE 




Toledo, Ohio, May 1, 1918. 

Note particularly the defects of the Dayton No. 115 
type scale. Many merchants desiring a scale that will 
hang over the counter, leaving all counter space free, 
have bought this scale or the Dayton No. 61, (see page 
73), without understanding what they were sacrificing for 
the small advantage of gaining a little counter space. 

The defects, as explained below, of the Dayton No. 
115 type computing spring scale, apply generally to all 
such scales which have come to our notice up to this 
date. Many of these defects must be known to the 
maker of these scales and it is more than likely that 
efforts are being made to correct and overcome them. 

77 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



Before making a statement concerning any particular 
scale, examine the scale closely and be sure that it does 
possess the defect or defects which you claim it possesses. 

It is neither the policy nor the desire of the company, 
that any statements be made about any of our competitors 
or their machines which are not wholly and actually true 
down to the smallest particular. 

It is your duty and obligation to point out the de- 
fects of any scale which may be under consideration. 
But never put yourself and the company in the unfair 
and contemptible position of having stated an untruth or 
of having made any misrepresentation whatsoever. 

Engineering Department, 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



One of the principal defects of the Dayton No. 115 
is that it is a spring weighing device. The springs are 
hidden from view, but can be seen by taking off the metal 
covers at each end of the chart housing. 

Look on page 52 for detailed objections to the use 
of springs for counterbalancing the load in any sort of 
a weighing device requiring accuracy. 

The makers of this scale, in a circular entitled "The 
Science of Scale Building," make the following fatal 
admission and false claim: "This illustration shows the 
refrigerator test of our patented and exclusive thermo- 
static device which regulates the springs and compensates 
for any variance in their contraction and expansion in 
hot and cold weather." 

This is a false claim, because the thermostat does not 
overcome the variations due to the contraction and ex- 
pansion of springs. It is quite useless for us to waste a 
lot of space in affirming this. All we can say is that 
wherever you have an opportunity to make the test, 

78 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



put any spring scale equipped with a thermostat, in an 
oven and test it, and then put it in an ice box and test it. 
Then you will have proved for yourself that the thermo- 
stat has failed and failed completely. 

But to return to those defects of the Dayton No. 115 
that we must consider in addition to the fact that it is a 
spring-operated weighing device. 

The crude cylinder shaft bearings in many scales of 
this type cause excessive friction, resulting in inaccu- 
racies in weighing. Some of these shaft bearings are 
only holes bored in brass plates in which the cylinder 
chart shaft revolves. 

To control the vibration of the chart, the scale is 
equipped with a damping device, consisting of two metal 
cylinders in which metal plungers operate. The means 
for resistance is air instead of oil, and the rubbing of the 
plungers on the sides of the dry tubes, produces exces- 
sive friction and causes further inaccuracies in weighing. 
The action of these close-fitting plungers also sucks dirt 
and dust into the tubes, causing them to become dirty 
and corroded, creating still more friction. In one of these 
scales recently examined, we found that the crude coun- 
terbalance used to hold the rack in mesh with the pinion, 
scraped against the outer wall of the dash pot whenever 
a weighing was done. From the condition of the dash 
pot wall and this lead counterbalance, it was evident that 
this had been going on for a very long time, perhaps 
ever since the scale was made. Just think of the friction 
this caused and the amount of overweight the user of 
that scale must have given out during the time he had 
it in his store. 

The use of two racks and two pinions to revolve the 
chart, is entirely unnecessary and, in our opinion, wrong 
in principle. And it must be plain even to the lay mind 
that the additional and unnecessary number of working 
parts increases friction. 

Note these serious causes of unnecessary friction. 
The crude cylinder shaft bearings, the two metal cyl- 
inders or plungers which are used to control the vibra- 

79 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



tion of the chart and the use of two racks and two pinions 
to revolve the chart, instead of one of each. Any one 
of these would cause serious inaccuracies, but when com- 
binded, they multiply the error many times. 

Now here is another objection piled on top of these. 
As the great majority of weighings are of small drafts, 
the plunger in the damping device ordinarily moves only 
a limited distance. This allows dirt and corrosion to 
accumulate on the unused surface of the cylinders, so 
that when a weighing in excess of the average draft is 
made, a still greater amount of friction is produced. 
In other words, in these scales friction is piled on top of 
friction until it would seem that any hope of even ap- 
proximate accuracy must vanish. 

In these scales, where the merchant's indicator for 
values consists of a piece of red wire strung along the 
inside of the glass, the line is so far from the chart as to 
make accurate reading of the values very difficult. In 
fact, a short man would have a very different idea of the 
reading from the idea that a tall man would have con- 
cerning it. 

The weight indicator on the customer's side being 
broad and far from the chart, makes accurate reading 
of the weights by a customer almost impossible. 

A hanging scale constructed as is this No. 115, must 
inevitably swing from side to side, or back and forth in 
the operation of weighing, thus making the indicating 
chart tremble and causing extreme difficulty in accurate 
reading of weight any money values. 

The springs in these scales, as in most spring scales, 
are under considerable tension even when the scales are 
set at zero. This tension or continual strain upon the 
springs, ranges from 6 to 10 pounds, according to the 
particular type of scale. 

In addition to there being one more rack and pinion 
than is necessary, these racks and pinions appear to be 
of exceedingly crude construction. The contact between 
the rack and pinion is provided for in an exceedingly 
uncertain way, which may cause excessive friction and 
very inaccurate readings. 

80 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



The general design and cheap appearance of this 
scale, its springs, together with the several causes of 
excessive friction, the many court decisions against the 
Dayton No. 61, which is very similar to this scale and 
the scathing public denunciations of the No. 61, make 
the use of this scale by any merchant not only extremely 
unwise, but almost prohibitive. 

Further proof of the undesirability of Dayton Money- 
weight barrel-shaped spring balance computing scales is 
that thousands of the most successful merchants have 
discarded them and substituted Toledos. Why have they 
done this? Why have the cleverest merchants gone to 
an enormous expense of this sort? There is a powerful 
reason why experienced business men act in this manner. 

Careful study by the salesmen of the mechanism of 
these scales, and talks with those who have used and 
discarded them, may possibly reveal other serious de- 
fects. It is only just to point these out to those who 
are still clinging to this type of weighing device or those 
who are contemplating its purchase. 

Engineering Department, 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



DAYTON Nos. 63 and 95 

Toledo, Ohio, May 1, 1918. 

The defects, as explained, of the Dayton Nos. 63 and 
95 type scale, apply generally to all such scales which 
have come to our notice up to this date. Many of these 
defects must be known to the maker of these scales and 
it is more than likely that efforts are being made to cor- 
rect and overcome them. 

Before making a statement concerning any particular 
scale, examine the scale closely and be sure that it does 
possess the defect or defects which you claim it possesses. 

It is neither the policy nor the desire of the company 
that any statements be made about any of our competi- 

81 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



tors or their machines which are not wholly and actually- 
true down to the smallest particular. 

We want our salesmen to fight hard for business, but 
always to be absolutely fair. 

It is your duty and obligation to point out the de- 
fects of any scale which may be under consideration. 
But never put yourself and the company in the unfair 
and contemptible position of having stated an untruth or 
of having made any misrepresentation whatsoever. 

Engineering Department. 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



One of the principal objections to the Dayton Nos. 
63 and 95 is that it is a spring weighing device. The 
springs are hidden from view, but can be seen by taking 
off the metal covers at each end of the chart casing. 

Look on page 52 for the detailed objections to the 
use of springs for counterbalancing the load in any sort 
of an accurate weighing device. 

The makers of the Dayton Nos. 63 and 95 Types 
apparently realizing quite fully the inherent inaccuracy 
of springs, have made an effort to overcome this defect 
by equipping the scales with a mechanical device known 
as the thermostat. But this device has been found a failure. 
It does not compensate for the change in the springs due 
both to changes in temperature and lapse of time, and the 
consequence is that constant hand-regulating of such 
scales to a correct zero position is necessary. But un- 
fortunately when so hand-regulated to a correct zero 
position they are almost certain to weigh inaccurately 
at many points between zero and full capacity. 

In addition to the serious defect of its being spring 
operated, the Dayton No. 63 or 95 Type has the following 
objections: 

82 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



All scales must be set level to weigh correctly, and 
these scales are not provided with proper means for ad- 
justing or determining when they are level on the counter. 

The chart shaft is 
mounted in ball bearings. 
This might be an excel- 
lent thing were it not for 
the fact that this type of 
bearing consists of six 
steel balls mounted in a 
hardened steel case. Due 
to the manner of construc- 
tion of the device (the 
case being of one piece 
and having no adjust- 
ment), it cannot be ground 
or polished after harden- 
ing, consequently a high 
degree of accuracy is im- 
possible, and much of the 
benefit that might ordi- 
narily be obtained by the 
use of ball bearings is lost. 

The next cause of un- 
necessary friction is the 
long sleeve bearings 
where the racks are con- 
nected to what is called 
the equalizing bar. Not 
only is this too long, but 
being exposed it is liable 
to become dirty and cor- 
roded, producing much 

friction and lost motion in the action of the rack and 

pinion. 

Another serious objection is the use of two racks and 
two pinions to revolve the chart. This, in our opinion, 
is unnecessary and it is certainly productive of additional 
friction. 

Just note how friction seems to be compounded with 
friction and piled on top of friction, so that the error re- 

83 




Dayton No. 95. 
The No. 63 is similar in construc- 
tion but has a slightly different 
base and chart housing. 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



suiting from any of this unnecessary friction is multiplied 
as many times as the friction is multiplied. 

To control the vibration of the chart, a dash pot con- 
taining glycerine is mounted in the base of the scale. 
Working in this dash pot is an adjustable plunger con- 
nected to the lever of the scale. Many of these scales 
have no protector to prevent manipulation of the dash 
pot plunger from the customer's side. The result of this 
is that the accidental or intentional adjustment of the 
plunger by some meddlesome person might permit the 
glycerine to be pumped out of the dash pot. This 
v^^ould not only cause an unsanitary condition but would 
make the regulation of the chart impossible. 

Another defect is that the construction of the plunger 
is such that the working parts, or many of them become 
loosened making regulation of the vibration impossible. 
The glycerine used in most of these dash pots becomes 
thickened in cold weather to such an extent as frequently 
to cause inaccuracies in weighing. The opening in the 
dash pot is not sufficiently protected to prevent dirt and 
foreign substances from getting into the dash pot and 
mixing with the sticky glycerine. All of this makes 
frequent cleaning and adjusting necessary and greatly 
increases the danger of inaccuracies in weighing. 

The upright rod which is fastened to the casting 
under the platter, and which passes through the hole in 
the base, has no protecting device to prevent articles 
from coming in contact with the rod, thus causing fric- 
tion and inaccuracy in weighing. 

There is no positive means for fastening the glass 
platter to the scale. It merely rests upon it, conse- 
quently it is very liable to get knocked off and broken 
causing an expense and delay in replacement and putting 
the scale out of use while replacement is being made. 

As this scale has only 24 prices per pound it is un- 
satisfactory in most places where commodities at a wide 
range of prices are sold. 

The old chart of 24 pounds capacity contains 4,608 
money values and computations, of which, 3,072 are in- 
correctly placed, which in many cases results in loss to 

84 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



the customer. Owing to our activity in exposing this 
false chart, it is no longer being put into the scale as far 
as we know, but it seems certain that many of these 
scales with these crooked charts are still in use. 

Remember, that the fact of this chart being false has 
been established in court and is no longer a matter of 
mere opinion. 

In these scales where the merchant's indicator for 
values consists of a red line engraved on the glass, the 
line is so far from the chart as to make accurate reading 
of the values almost impossible. 

In others no reading line was fixed, leaving the user 
to read the value figure most acceptable to him, accurate 
reading being impossible. 

The weight indicator to the customer being broad 
and so far from the chart makes accurate reading of 
weights by customer almost impossible. 

On the merchant's side of the scale the indicator for 
weight and the indicators for value are three separate 
devices, often not in perfect alignment, resulting in inac- 
curate indication of weights and values. 

The springs in this scale, as in most spring scales, are 
under considerable tension even when the scales are set 
at zero. This tension or continual strain upon the springs 
ranges from 6 to 10 pounds, according to the particular 
type of scale, and results in still greater inaccuracy. 

The general design and cheap appearance of this 
scale, together with its springs, its false charts, the court 
decisions against it and the scathing public denunciation 
of it, make its use by any merchant extremely unwise if 
not prohibitive. 

Further proof of the undesirability of Dayton Money- 
weight barrel-shaped spring balance computing scales is 
that thousands of the most successful merchants have 
discarded them and substituted Toledos. Why have they 
done this? Why have the cleverest merchants gone to 
an enormous expense of this sort? There is a powerful 
reason why experienced business men act in this manner. 

85 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



Careful study by the salesmen of the mechanism of 
these scales and talks with those who have used and 
abolished them, may possibly reveal other serious defects. 
It is only just to point these out to those who are still 
clinging to this type of weighing device or those who 
are contemplating its purchase. 

Engineering Department. 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



DAYTON Nos. 144 AND 146 COMPUTING 
CYLINDER SCALES 

Toledo, Ohio, May 1, 1918. 

The defects, as explained, of the Dayton No. 144 and 
No. 146 scales, apply generally to all such scales which 
have come to our notice up to this date. Many of these 
defects must be known to the maker of these scales and 
it is more than likely that efforts are being made to cor- 
rect and overcome them. 

Before making a statement concerning any particular 
scale, examine the scale closely and be sure that it does 
possess the defect or defects which you claim it possesses. 

It is neither the policy nor the desire of the com- 
pany that any statements be made about any of our com- 
petitors or their machines which are not wholly and 
actually true down to the smallest particular. 

We want our salesmen to fight hard for business, but 
always to be absolutely fair. 

It is your duty and obligation to point out the de- 
fects of any scale which may be under consideration. 
But never put yourself and the company in the unfair 
and contemptible position of having stated an untruth or 
cf having made any misrepresentation whatsoever. 

Engineering Department. 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 

86 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



One of the principal objections to the Dayton Nos. 
144 and 146 is that they are spring weighing devices. In 
the 144 the springs may be seen by removing the ends 
of the chart casing. In the 146 they may be seen through 
the glass in the ends of the chart casing. 

Look on page 52 for 
the detailed objections to 
the use of springs for 
counterbalancing the load 
in any sort of a weighing 
device requiring accuracy. 

The makers of these 
scales, apparently realiz- 
ing quite fully the essen- 
tial inaccuracy of springs, 
have made an effort to 
overcome this defect by 
equipping the scales with 
a mechanical device 
known as the thermostat. 
But this device has been 
found a failure. 
It does not com- 
pensate for the 
change in the 
springs due both 
to changes in tem- 
perature and lapse 
of time, and the 
consequence 
is that constant 
hand-regulating of such scales to a correct zero position 
is necessary. But unfortunately when so hand-regulated 
to a correct zero position they are almost certain to 
weigh inaccurately at many points between zero and 
full capacity. 

But to return to those defects of the Dayton No. 144 
and No. 146 which are in addition to their being spring- 
operated weighing devices. 

Scales should set level to weigh correctly but many of 
these scales are not provided with proper means for 

87 




Dayton No. 144 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



determining when they are level, on the counter. They 
have sometimes been equipped with a swivel base which 
is supported by four leveling screws. ' Unless the swivel 
base is perfectly level the scale will not weigh correctly 
in different positions as it is revolved. To level this base 
is most difficult. (See page 66 for evidence of what 
another scale company thinks about swivel bases.) 

These scales are equipped with brass scrolls, the fin- 
ish of which soon wears off. They accumulate dirt and 
verdigris, giving the scale an unpleasing appearance and 
producing an unsanitary condition. 

The chart shaft is mounted in ball bearings. This 
might be an excellent thing were it not for the fact that 
this type of bearing consists of six steel balls mounted 
in a hardened steel case. Due to the manner of con- 
struction of the device (the case being of one piece and 
having no adjustment) it cannot be ground or polished 
after hardening, consequently a high degree of accuracy 
is impossible and much of the benefit that might ordi- 
narily be obtained by the use of ball bearings is lost. 

The next cause of unnecessary friction is the long 
sleeve bearing where the racks are connected to what is 
called the equalizing bar. Not only is this too long, but 
being exposed, it is liable to become dirty and corroded, 
producing much friction and lost motion in the action of 
the rack and pinion. 

Another serious objection is the use of two racks and 
two pinions to revolve the chart. This, in our opinion, 
is unnecessary and is certainly productive of additional 
friction. 

Just note how friction seems to be compounded with 
friction and piled on top of friction, so that the error re- 
sulting from this unnecessary friction is multiplied just 
as many times as the friction is multiplied. 

To control the vibration of the chart, a dash pot con- 
taining glycerine is mounted in the base. Working in the 
glycerine dash pot is an adjustable plunger connected to 
the casting under the platter. To adjust this plunger it 
is necessary to raise the platter then to replace it to de- 
termine if the vibration is correct. This operation must 
be repeated until the vibration of the chart is satisfactory. 

88 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



The construction of the plunger is such that the work- 
ing parts on many of them become loosened making regu- 
lation of the vibration impossible. The glycerine used 
in the dash pot becomes thickened in cold weather to 
such an extent that it causes inaccuracies in weighing in 
many cases. The opening in the dash pot is insufficiently 
protected, permitting dirt and foreign substance to get 
into the dash pot and mix with the sticky glycerine, mak- 
ing frequent cleaning and adjusting necessary and greatly 
increasing the danger of inaccuracies in weighing. 

The lower ends of the weighing springs are connected 
to metal plates which extend through the chart housing 
and connect to the thermostat tube. With the chart at 
zero position these metal plates project through the cas- 
ing about 4 inches. As a load is applied to the platter, 
these metal plates extend lower until 57s inches are ex- 
posed. These plates being unprotected, there is great 
liability of packages coming in contact with them and 
their movement being interfered with, which would re- 
sult in inaccuracies in weighing. 

In some of these scales, we are advised the thermostat 
is under the base ; the springs are high up in the cylinder 
casing. Just think how this would render the thermostat 
inoperative where a scale was resting upon a refrigerator 
counter. The thermostat might be very cold and the 
springs quite warm. 

If the scale is equipped with electric lights inside the 
casing, the springs might be very warm and the thermo- 
stat at the ordinary temperature of the atmosphere in 
the store, again rendering it entirely inoperative. 

In the swivel base electric scales there is no provision 
for bottom connection of the electric cord. All such 
scales must be connected from above. These overhead 
connections are sometimes unsightly and mar the appear- 
ance of the store. 

There is no positive means of fastening the glass 
platter to the scale. It merely rests upon the spider. 
Consequently the liability of the platter getting knocked 
off and broken, causing delay and expense in replace- 
ment is quite serious. 

89 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



The springs of this scale are under considerable ten- 
sion even when the scale is set at zero. This tension 
of continual strain upon the springs ranges from 6 to 10 
pounds, according to the particular type of scale, and of 
course, results in the springs developing inaccuracies 
much sooner than they otherwise would. 

The illuminated sign space visible to the customer 
is so small as to be almost useless. Such expressions as 
"Thank You" and "Call Again" are about the strongest 
signs that can be placed on such scales. Just contrast 
with this the famous trade-bringing Toledo slogan "No 
Springs — -Honest Weight." 

Between the cylinder casing and the platter there is 
exposed to view a large fiat casting called the check riser, 
which is attached rigidly to and moves up and down with 
the casting on which the platter is supported. A large 
surface of about 9 inches long and 2 inches wide of this 
check link connecting casting is uncovered and unpro- 
tected. This is most dangerous, because if it rubs 
against anything it will cause friction and force the mer- 
chant to give a large excessive weight. There is also 
danger of a customer accidently placing his hand against 
this check link connection, producing friction and causing 
the merchant to give a large excessive weight. It has 
been said that in some instances dishonest persons have 
intentionally placed their finger against this check link 
connection and received thereby large excesses in weight. 
This is a dangerous feature of the scale and is by itself a 
sufficient objection to make its use almost prohibitive. 

In looking over the objections to this scale it would 
seem that with the exception of the fatal springs no one 
of these objections might be sufficiently serious to cause 
a merchant to decline to purchase. But when you con- 
sider the accumulation of little objections, when you 
think of one objection piled on top of another, until there 
is quite an alarming number of them, it does not seem 
possible that any merchant could be so short-sighted as 
to purchase this type of scale. 

Further proof of the undesirability of Dayton Money- 
weight barrel-shaped spring balance computing scales is 
that thousands of the most successful merchants have 
discarded them and substituted Toledos. Why have they 

90 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



done this? Why have the cleverest merchants gone to 
an enormous expense of this sort? There is a powerful 
reason why experienced business men act in this manner. 
Careful study by the salesman of the mechanism of 
these scales and talks with those who have used and 
discarded them, may possibly reveal other serious defects. 
It is only just to point these out to those who are still 
clinging to this type of weighing device or those who 
are contemplating its purchase. 

Engineering Department. 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



DAYTON Nos. 344 AND 346 COMPUTING 
CYLINDER SCALES 

Toledo, Ohio, May 1, 1918. 
The defects of the Dayton No. 344 and No. 346 
scales, as explained, apply generally to all such scales 
which have come to our notice up to this date. Many of 
these defects must be known to the maker of these scales 
and it is more than likely that efforts are being made to 
correct and overcome them. 

Before making a statement concerning any particular 
scale, examine the scale closely and be sure that it does 
possess the defect or defects which you claim it possesses. 
It is neither the policy nor the desire of the Company 
that any statements be made about any of our compet- 
itors or their machines which are not wholly and actually 
true down to the smallest particular. 

We want our salesmen to fight hard for business, but 
always to be absolutely fair. 

It is your duty and obligation to point out the de- 
fects of any scale which may be under consideration. 
But never put yourself and the Company in the unfair 
and contemptible position of having stated an untruth, 
or of having made any misrepresentation whatsoever. 
Engineering Department 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY 
91 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



-K-SIC SHOE 
MJ-E.NSATOi? 



tM- FRAME 
^1 I FOB URTTM 



■^ ~ " J BAT, 



SACK COUUTE 



..:;• tn.SCK ROD 




.^<g 



Dayton No. 344. Inside View 



92 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



Note that the Dayton No. 344 is the plain and the No. 
346 is the electric. In all other respects, as far as we 
have been able to observe, the two styles are identical. 

One of the principal objections to the Dayton No. 
344 and No. 346 is that they are spring weighing devices. 
The springs may be seen by removing the ends of the 
chart casing. Note particularly that round mirrors are 
used in the ends of the chart casing. They might have 
used plate glass, but that would reveal the springs, and 
the public is getting suspicious of springs ; therefore, it 
is wise to conceal them. In other types of Dayton scales, 
they had used plate glass in the ends of the chart casing, 
so that the springs could be seen by the customer having 
purchases weighed over the scale. The fact that they 
have discontinued the use of plate glass in their latest 
model, would seem to indicate that they realized that the 
public was better informed on the subject than ever be- 
fore and did not like spring scales. So the springs are 
concealed. 

Look on page 52 for the detailed objections to the 
use of spring scales for counterbalancing the load in any 
sort of weighing device requiring accuracy. 

The makers of these scales apparently realizing quite 
fully the essential inaccuracy of springs, have made an 
effort to overcome this defect by equipping the scales 
with a mechanical device known as the thermostat. But 
this device has been found a failure. It does not fully 
compensate for the change in the springs due both to 
changes in temperature and lapse of time, and the con- 
sequence is that constant hand-regulating of such scales 
to a correct zero position is necessary. And, when so 
hand-regulated to a correct zero position, they are almost 
certain to weigh inaccurately at many points between 
zero and full capacity. 

Now the Dayton 344 has a thermostat similar to the 
thermostats used in some of the earlier types of Dayton 
scales. This thermostat is located on the lever. But 
the Dayton people by equipping the 344 and 346 with two 
additional thermostats up in the chart casing, confess 
that the thermostat in the earlier types did not perform 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



the work and that additional thermostats are needed to 
help it out. But would you not say that if a thermostat 
has failed to perform the function for which it is designed, 
it is foolish to set another thermostat to correct it? If 
after long experience we discover that a fox always steals 
chickens, it would be foolish to get two more foxes to 
protect your poultry. Yet that is substantially what has 
been done in this newest Dayton scale. 

Look at the illustration on page 92. Note near the 
bottom of illustration the words "automatic compensat- 
ing device." — This indicates the thermostat as used in 
older Daytons, such as some of the 144's. 

Now look at the very top where the words "horseshoe 
compensator" appear. This is the new thermostat and 
there is one at each end of the chart casing. 

But consider the fact that the main thermostat is in 
the base of the scale; that the springs whose variation it 
is supposed to correct, are in the chart cylinder, high up 
above the counter. Suppose the scale is resting upon a 
refrigerator counter, the base would be very cold, the 
springs might be very hot, or at least the same tem- 
perature as the surrounding atmosphere. But suppose, 
further, that the scale is equipped with electric lights 
which heat up the cylinder housing. How in the world 
could the thermostat down in the base of the scale regu- 
late the variation in the springs, due to a degree of heat 
which would not touch the thermostat? All of these 
things go to show that either the makers of the scale 
do no take the compensating device seriously, or else 
that they have been unable to make a device that would 
work under all conditions. 

Remember, also, that in addition to the three thermo- 
stats which certainly ought to be expected to keep the 
scale in order, there is also a hand adjustment provided 
just below the chart casing. 

But now let us consider those defects of the Dayton 
344 and 346, which are in addition to the fact that they 
are spring-operated weighing devices. 

These scales are equipped with ornamental scrolls 
which might easily accumulate dirt and verdigris, giving 

94 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



the scale an unpleasing appearance and producing an 
unsanitary condition. 

The chart shaft is mounted in ball bearings. This 
might be an excellent thing were it not for the fact that 
this type of bearing consists of six steel balls mounted 
in a hardened steel case. Due to the manner of con- 
struction of the device (the case being of one piece and 
having no adjustment), it cannot be ground or polished 
after hardening, consequently a high degree of accuracy 
is impossible and much of the benefit that might ordi- 
narily be obtained by the use of ball bearings, is lost. 

Another serious objection is the use of two racks and 
two pinions to revolve the chart. This, in our opinion, 
is unnecessary and is certainly productive of additional 
friction. 

Just note how, in this scale, friction seems to be com- 
pounded with friction and piled on top of friction, so that 
the error resulting from this unnecessary friction is mul- 
tiplied as many times as the friction is multiplied. 

There is no positive means of fastening the glass 
platter to the scale. It merely rests upon the four posts 
which project through the casing, consequently, the lia- 
bility of the platter getting knocked off and broken, caus- 
ing delay and expense in replacement, is quite serious. 

On each one of the two forward posts which hold the 
platter, is a little nickel-plated disc which weighs three- 
quarters of an ounce. In cleaning the scale, these might 
easily be taken off and lost or forgotten, thus obliging 
the merchant to give about an ounce and a half of over- 
weight on every draft. These also give the unscrupulous 
merchant a very convenient m^eans for fixing his scale to 
give shortweight. 

In looking over the objections to this scale, it would 
seem that, with the exception of the fatal springs, no 
one of these objections might be sufficiently serious to 
cause a merchant to decline to purchase. But when you 
consider the accumulation of little objections, when you 
think of one objection piled on top of another, until there 
is quite an alarming number of them, it does not seem 

95 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



possible that any merchant could be so short-sighted as 
to purchase this type of scale. 

Further proof of the undesirability of Dayton money- 
weight, barrel-shaped, spring-balance computing scales, 
is that thousands of the most successful merchants have 
discarded them and substituted Toledos. Why have 
they done this? Why have the cleverest merchants gone 
to an enormous expense of this sort? There is a pov^er- 
ful reason why experienced business men act in this 
manner. 

Here is a recent test made on a Dayton 344 scale that 
had been used only a short time: 

Scale Leveled 

70° temperature 22° temperature 

Zero O. K. 1 ounce slow at zero 

10 lbs. O. K. 10 lbs. 1 ounce slow 

20 lbs. 1 ounce fast 20 lbs. ^ ounce slow 

30 lbs. y^ ounce fast 30 lbs. 1 ounce slow 

To these inaccuracies must gradually be added the 
inaccuracies resulting from springs that are weakened 
by continual tension. 

On the chart of the scale examined, there are penny 
graduations up to and including 30 cents. From 31 cents 
to 60 cents, there are 2-cent graduations, but there is 
nothing to indicate this change other than the gradua- 
tions themselves. This, as everyone knows, is a very 
dangerous style of chart as it renders it exceedingly 
easy for the merchant to make costly mistakes. 

Careful study by the salesman of the mechanism of 
these scales and talks with those who have used and 
discarded them, may possibly reveal other serious defects. 
It is only just to point these out to those who are still 
clinging to this type of weighing device, or to those who 
are contemplating its purchase. 

Engineering Department 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY 

96 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



THE DAYTON FALSE CHART 

Although the Dayton Scales with the false charts are 
pretty generally prohibited, it is nevertheless important 
that the salesman understand just exactly wherein these 
charts were false and how the customer was cheated. 

Note the comparison which follows of the computing 
charts of a Toledo No. 381 and a Dayton No. 61 and No. 



Toledo 
No. 381 

31 
14,992 

14,992 

None 

14,992 

None 

None 

None 



The number of prices per pound. 

Total number of money value graduations 
shown on chart 

Total number of money value graduations 
that should be shown on correct chart. 

Number of money value graduations 
shown that are incorrect 

Number of money value graduations 
shown that are correct 

Number of correct money value gradua- 
tions omitted that should be on chart. 

Number of money value graduations that 
shortweight the customer 

Number of money value graduations that 
rob the merchant 



63. It is well to study the comparisons carefully be- 
cause these Dayton Scales are the ones which precipitated 
the nation-wide fight for honest weight, which fight re- 
sulted in such a tremendous amount of public interest 
in honest scales. 

The same eccentricities in the placing of value figures 
that exist in the first pound on a Dayton 61 or 63 chart, 
practically exist in every one of the 24 pounds. 

How is it possible for a computing chart to be cor- 
rect and have the same money value figures repeated at 
the same price per pound so that different weights could 
be given for the same charge? 

97 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



Example: Such repetitions at 4c, 5c, 6c, and 7c per 
pound. 

How is it possible for a computing chart to be correct 
and have the same money value figures repeated so that 
the same weight could be given at different prices per 
pound for the same charge? 

Example: For 2 oz. the money value figure 1 is re- 
peated at eight different prices per pound, the money 
value figure 2 is repeated at eight different prices per 
pound, the money value figure 3 is repeated at six dif- 
ferent prices per pound, the money value figure 4 is re- 
peated at two different prices per pound. For 4 oz., 6 oz., 
8 oz., 10 oz., 12 oz., and 14 oz., some money value figures 
are repeated at different prices per pound. 

How is it possible for a computing chart to be cor- 
rect and useful and have omitted many money value 
figures at practically every price per pound? 

There are no 10c money value figures at the following 
prices per pound: 12c, 12i/.c, 14c, 15c, 17c, 18c, 22c, 23c, 
24c, 25c, 28c, and 30c. At 30c per pound there are only 
eight money value figures, and of these only two are in 
the right position — so that the correct weight to be given 
cannot be determined for twenty-eight of the thirty 
money value graduations that should be shown. At 
every price per pound from 9c up money value gradua- 
tions are omitted that should be on correct chart. 

All the discrepancies on the 63 chart are due to the 
false method of graduating employed, viz. : money value 
graduations are given only for specific weight divisions 
of a pound. This method is fundamentally and totally 
wrong because it creates money values with fractions of 
cents which money values cannot practically be shown 
on a chart and any chart that disposes of these fractions 
of cents must give correct weight for many money gradu- 
ations. 

The only correct method of graduating a chart is il- 
lustrated by the cut herewith representing the first pound 
on a 381 Toledo. 

98 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



Money value graduations are given for one cent 
money divisions of the price per pound, that is, there are 
as many graduations for each price per pound as there 
are cents in the price per pound. 



On „„^ 



The First Pound on a Toledo No. 381 Chart 

Now let us look at the computations in the first 
pound on the false chart of a Dayton 61 or 63. In the cut 
shown the false values are in red figures. 

The First Pound on a I\o. 61 and I\o. 63 Dayton-Moneyweiyht Chart 



23 24 



I 
>() 121 

23 24 



3 
6 

Id 
i' 13 
6 I 

i> feo 



21 
3 16' 



The * shows figures Yz cent false. The -k^'s at 9 
ounces are for the man who claims he can take the mean 
value of 8 ounces and 10 ounces as indicated and get the 
value of 9 ounces. Each of the eight ^ 's takes more 
than the customary i^ cent, and at 9 cents and 25 cents 
per pound 15-16 cent is taken. 

As we have said, scales with these false charts are no 
longer, to our knowledge, being sold. But the salesman 
should be familiar with them, both because there still are 
many in use and because the fact of having ever made 
and sold such a device should be a sufficient commentary 
upon any concern to make merchants prefer not to deal 
with it. 

Engineering Department. 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 

99 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



SCALES SHOWING INTENTIONAL VARIATIONS 
SHOULD NOT BE SEALED 

In what an inconsistent position must the sealer of 
Weights and Measures find himself, when he places 
his stamp of approval upon a Dayton Moneyweight 
Barrel-Shaped Spring-Balance Scale on the chart of 
which there are many money value figures intentionally 
so placed as to cause the scale to shortweigh to the ex- 
tent of 2 ounces and these being purposeful errors which 
result inevitably from the scheme on which the scale is 
built; and then turn right around and decline to seal or 
place his stamp of approval on an ordinary Pound-and- 
Ounce Scale in which there may be a much less error and 
an unintentional one. 

Unavoidable variations in scales are not analogous in 
the slightest degree to intentional and recognized varia- 
tions in the plan and constructions of the scale itself. 
In the case of an ordinary Pound-and-Ounce Scale, the 
scale is intended by the maker to be exactly accurate, and 
such scales are required by the Sealer of Weights _ and 
Measures to be readjusted in case of any appreciable 
error. But in the Moneyweight Barrel Scale the varia- 
tions, amounting on the chart to a half-cent, are purpose- 
ful and result inevitably from the scheme on which the 
scale is built. 

We insist, therefore, that such scales showing inten- 
tional variations are not correct and should not be sealed. 

The Moneyweight Scale Company and its representa- 
tives attempt to justify the variations of a half-cent be- 
cause of the so-called commercial usage by which the 
dealer takes advantage of the half-cent in making change. 
Under no circumstances can such a commercial usage 
justify the scale in taking the one half-cent. A comput- 
ing scale is a mechanical calculator, not a change maker. 

For a brief account of the litigation which finally 
resulted in the prohibition of the sale or use of scales 
showing intentional variations, see pages 9 to 17 of our 
Sales Manual or read our booklet entitled "Greatest 
Force in the World." 

Engineering Department. 
TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 
'. : 100 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



HEAVY CAPACITY SCALES 



Let us now turn our attention for a moment to the 
defects of those heavy capacity scales which the Toledo 
salesman occasionally encounters. As a supplement 
to this material read carefully our booklet entitled 
"How Toledo Heavy Capacity Scales Save Time and 
Money." We will first take up the oldest type. 



BEAM SCALE 

Toledo, Ohio, May 1, 1918. 

The defects, as explained, of the old-fashioned Beam 
Scale, apply generally to all such 
scales which have come to our no- 
tice up to this date. Many of these 
defects must be known to the 
maker of these scales and it is 
more than likely that efforts are 
being made to correct and over- 
come them. 



Before making a statement 
concerning any particular scale, 
examine the scale closely and be 
sure that it does possess the de- 
fect or defects, which you claim 
it posseses. 





Common Type of Portable Beam Scale 
101 . 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



It is neither the policy nor the desire of the company 
that any statements be made about any of our competi- 
tors or their machines which are not wholly and actually 
true down to the smallest particular. 

We want our salesmen to fight hard for business, but 
always to be absolutely fair. 

It is your duty and obligation to tell the prospective 
purchaser of a scale all you may know about the construc- 
tion of any scale under discussion. 

It is your duty and obligation to point out the de- 
fects of any scale which may be under consideration. 
But never put yourself and the company in the unfair 
and contemptible position of having stated an untruth or 
of having made any misrepresentation whatsoever. 
Engineering Department. 
TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



For many years, the only heavy capacity scale obtain- 
able was the old-fashioned beam scale such as is still used 
to a very considerable extent all over the world, and the 
fact that it is still used to a very considerable extent, is 
one of the reasons why there is such a tremendous field 
for the up-to-date Toledo Springless Automatic Weigh- 
ing Machine. 

One of the many objections to the old-style beam 
scale is that the weighing of any object upon such a 
scale is an extremely slow operation. This, of course, 
is not a serious matter at some country cross-roads 
where a load of hay has to be weighed perhaps once a 
week or certainly not oftener than two or three times a 
day. It is not a serious matter in the old-fashioned 
coal yard where perhaps only 40 or 50 weighings are 
made a day. 

But there are many places where it is an exceedingly 
serious matter and is constantly becoming more serious. 
Therefore, let us consider the numerous processes neces- 
sary on the old-fashioned beam scale. We will suppose 
that a weight has been deposited upon the platform. 

. 102 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



Now all of the poises must be shifted back to zero, and 
the loose weights taken off the end of the beam. Then 
loose weights must be added until the approximate 
weight of the article to be weighed has been reached. 
There may be more, or 
there may be a little bit 
less. If it is more, one 
of the loose weights must 
be taken off and the poises 
slid forward until a bal- 
ance is obtained. There 
are all the way from five 
to twenty hand operations 
necessary in getting the 
weight of just one article 
placed upon the platform. 





Common Type of Dormant Platform Beam Scale 

In cases where there are a number of containers, 
such as boxes, pails, etc., to be weighed at the same 
time as the commodity is weighed, the tare must be 
deducted on the old-fashioned beam scale by very much 
the same process as weight is taken. In other words, 
a poise is slid along the beam. How easy it is under 
these circumstances to make incorrect mental calcula- 
tions, resulting in costly errors. 

Now, forgetting for a moment the time wasted in 
getting weights on the old-fashioned beam scale, let us 
consider the numerous possibilities for serious errors. 
Whoever does the weighing must add up the loose 
weights that have been placed on the end of the beam, 

103 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



and he must add to those the indications of the beam, 
and deduct from this any tare that there may be. 
Now these are simple enough operations for those ac- 
customed to rapid mental calculations, but as a rule the 
men who regularly do the weighing are not accustomed 
to operations of this sort, resulting in much loss of time, 
because they are naturally slow at the work and increase 
the frequency of serious error. Loose weights are con- 
stantly being misplaced, and time is lost looking for 
them. Dirt and dust accumulating on the loose weights; 
rust and corrosion; pieces broken off when the weights 
are used for hammers, which is frequently the case; all 
increase the liability of incorrect weight. 

Furthermore, in a beam scale with levers at a multiple 
of say, 100 to 1, and with an inch or so of play in the trig 
loop, this play may mean a difference of a pound or so. 
See our booklet entitled "How Toledo Heavy Capacity 
Scales Save Time and Money." 

These are not mere theories on our part — they are 
facts proved time and time again by Toledo salesmen who 
have gone into plants where old beam scales were used 
and by checking the weights on Toledo Scales, proved to 
persons in authority that from $500.00 to $25,000.00 was 
being lost annually as a result of the time wasted and the 
inaccuracies that inevitably follow the use of old-fash- 
ioned beam scales. 

We have hundreds of letters on file testifying to cases 
of this sort, so as we say, it is not a theory on our part, 
but is a fact that has been proved time and time and time 
again so conclusively that no intelligent person who care- 
fully investigates the matter can for a mom.ent doubt. 

Another serious defect not only to the old-fashioned 
beam scale, but to many heavy capacity scales, is that 
the platform oscillates back and forth causing constant 
wear on the pivots and bearings of the scale even when 
the scale is not in operation. On the old-type scale, 
every time any one walks across the platform, every 
time a load is placed upon the platform, it oscillates back 
and forth and the bearings are subjected to a great deal 
more wear than they are subjected to in the ordinary 
operations of weighing. 

104 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



If you want to get an understanding of what this wear 
means, take a sharp knife and press the blade directly 
downward upon a piece of hardened steel; to a very 
limited extent this will injure the edge of the knife. But 
now bear down heavily upon the blade upon a piece of 
hardened steel and then rock the knife back and forth. 
The edge will be rendered almost as dull as the pro- 
verbial hoe. That's the difference between the Toledo 
principle and the principle of the average heavy capacity 
scale, including practically all old-fashioned beam scales. 
In the Toledo Scale the razor-edge pivot which gives the 
scale such wonderful accuracy, does not oscillate when 
the platform oscillates back and forth. In other scales 
the pivot edge (usually the bearing oscillates upon the 
fixed pivot) does oscillate, resulting in constant wear and 
necessitating frequent and expensive repairs, or the sacri- 
fice of all hope of accuracy. 

Careful study by the salesman of the mechanism of 
these scales, and talks with those who have used and 
discarded them, may possibly reveal other serious defects. 
It is only just to point these out to those who are still 
clinging to this type of weighing device or those who 
are contemplating its purchase. 

Engineering Department. 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



KRON SCALE 

Toledo, Ohio, May 1, 1918. 

The defects, as explained, of the Kron scale, apply 
generally to all such scales which have come to our 
notice up to this date. Many of these defects must be 
known to the maker of these scales, and it is more than 
likely that efforts are being made to correct and over- 
come them. 

Before making a statement concerning any particular 
scale, examine the scale closely and be sure that it does 
possess the defect or defects which you claim it possesses. 

105 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



It is neither the policy nor the desire of the company 
that any statements be made about any of our competi- 
tors or their machines which are not wholly and actually 
true down to the smallest particular. 

We want our salesmen to fight hard for business, but 
always be absolutely fair. 

It is your duty and obligation to point out the de- 
fects of any scale which may be under consideration. 
But never put yourself and the company in the unfair 
and contemptible position of having stated an untruth 
or of having made any misrepresentation whatsoever. 
Engineering Department, 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



One of the scales that has 
sought to overcome the objec- 
tion to the old-type beam scale 
by adopting the automatic 
principal, is the Kron ; but, 
as in achieving the automatic 
principle, the Kron, also 
achieved several serious de- 
fects, it seems only fair that 
we should point these defects 
out to prospective users. This 
is a springless scale and has 
double pendulum construction, 
but these two pendulums do 




Recent Type of Dormant Platform Kron Scale 
not perform their functions as do the two pendulums in 

the Toledo. {Continued on Page 108) 

106 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



THE KRON 
SCALE 




A — Balauee levers witli ^veiglits. G — Fulcrum blocks froui which 
the balauee ^veights are suspeudert by a flexible piece of metal. 
H — Fulcrum rollers on ^vhich the balance levers have a rocking- 
movement. F — Supporting bands of flexible metal by ^vhich the 
balance levers are suspended from the fulcrum blocks. D — Draft 
bands of flexible metal with fastening- (E) on the balance levers. 
I — Steel plates fastened to balance levers rocking- on fulcrum 
rollers (H). J — Cam giving positive adjustment at any point 
from zero to full capacity. !> — Sector connecting- Avith pinion (N) 
secured to pointer shaft. 

When load is placed on platform, it is transmitted 
through draft rod (B), draft link (C), draft bands (D), 
with their fastening (E) to balance levers (A), to cam (J), 
to cam roller (K), to sector (L) to pinion (N), on pointer 
shaft which will indicate the load on the dial. 

AMERICAN KRON SCALE COMPANY 
39 Cortlandt Street, New York 



Reproduction of a circular sent out by Ameican Kron Scale 
Company, showing weighing and indicating mechanism of the Kron scale. 

107 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



On page 107 is a reproduction of a circular sent out 
by the American Kron Scale Company, showing the 
weighing and indicating mechanism of the Kron scale. 

On page 111 is a reproduction of drawing showing 
one-half of the indicating mechanism shown on page 107. 
The drawing, however, is made on a larger scale for the 
purpose of making clear the reasons for our belief that 
the Kron scale will not stay in balance nor weigh accu- 
rately for any considerable length of time. 

On page 110 is a list of the parts shown in the cut 
on page 111. 

Now, refer to the illustration on page 111: A is the 
weighted balance lever supported by a metal ribbon 
passing over the fulcrum blocks G, the ends of the 
ribbon being fastened to the lever and the fulcrum blocks 
respectively. The cam Z is formed on the upper ex- 
tremity of the balance lever and the ribbon D passes 
over the face of this cam and connects it with the steel- 
yard rod B through the stirrup C. 

When a load is placed on the scale platform, it will 
exert a downward pull upon the steelyard rod B and the 
ribbon D, causing the weight A and the balance lever to 
swing outwardly and up. This balance lever carries the 
driving cam J, having a slot S formed therein, the bearing 
surface V of which contacts with the roller K mounted at 
the lower end of the arm L, at the other end of which is 
the segmental rack meshing with the pinion N. This 
pinion N is fixed on the same shaft as the indicator hand. 
In order that the scale may weigh accurately, it is essen- 
tial that the leverage distances Y and X bear definite 
relations to each other. When the roller H and the 
plates I are in perfect condition, the distance Y, from 
the center of gravity of the lever A to the point of con- 
tact Q with the roller H, will be a predetermined dis- 
tance, also the distance X from the ribbon D to the 
point Q will be known and bear a definite relation to the 
distance Y. If the roller H or the plates I which are 
fastened to the balance lever, should wear, the distance 
X would shorten, causing the scale to weigh less than 
standard. On the other hand, should any rust or for- 
eign substance accumulate between the roller H and 

108 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



plate I, as at the point W, it would tend to throw the 
plate I farther from the center of the roller G, which 
would also have a tendency to make the scale weigh less 
than standard. 

Again, should any foreign substance collect between 
the plate I and the fulcrum block G, as at point Fl, this 
would have a tendency to throw the scale off at zero, as 
well as weigh more than standard on the first part of the 
chart. When the plate I or fulcrum block G wear and 
particularly should they wear unevenly (which it is ap- 
parent they will do, as these parts will wear most at the 
point where the plate I contacts most frequently with 
the fulcrum block G), inaccuracy will result. Should the 
ribbon supporting the balance lever lengthen because of 
expansion, stretching or slipping, the balance weight A 
and lever would move downwardly and the distance X 
would be decreased, causing the scale to get out of bal- 
ance at zero and weigh incorrectly. 

As before stated, when loads are placed on the plat- 
form, the balance lever with the weight A and the in- 
dicating cam J move outwardly and upwardly, and the 
roller K will move in the direction of the curved line U, 
which movement is transmitted to the gear N on the 
indicating shaft. 

Should the scale weigh inaccurately at any point 
on the dial, it can only be remedied by filing the 
bearing surface V on the cam J. Note: See last 
paragraph in their instructions, a facsimile reproduction 
of which is shown on page 114. 

The roller K moves outwardly about 2^ inches for 
the full capacity of the scale. Hence, in a scale with a 
2500-lb. chart, the roller K must move about 1/1000 of 
an inch for each pound. Think of the difficulty of filing 
1/1000 of an inch and in the right place. On account 
of the angularity of the cam, should the scale weigh in- 
correctly, the slot must not be filed directly below the 
roller, but inward at an angle of about 90° from a line 
with the arm L, for on account of the angle of the slot S 
relative to the arm L, filing 1/1000 inch off cam J in 
line with arm L, would change the indication of a scale 
with a 2500-lb. dial about ly^ lbs. Thus, in a scale with 

109 (Continued on Page 1 13) 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



A — Balance lever with weights. 

B — Steelyard rod connecting platform with indicating 
mechanism. 

C —Draft ribbon connecting stirrup. 

D —Draft ribbon. 

E —Draft ribbon coimection to balance lever. 

F —Supporting ribbon connection to balance lever. 

F2— Supporting band connection to fulcrum roller. 

G — Fulcrum blocks from which the balance lever with 
weights are suspended. 

H —Fulcrum roller. 

I —Steel plates fastened to balance levers. 

J — Cam bolted to balance lever. 

K —Roller engaging surface of cam. 

L — Sector arm. 

M —Sector. 

N — Pinion on indicator shaft. 

P — Draft ribbon fastener. 

Q —Fulcrum point on block G, i. e., where plate I con- 
tacts with fulcrum block. 

R —Vertical line from point on cam where draft ribbon 
D leaves cam Z. 

Rl— Line through point of fulcrum for balance lever. 

R2 — Line through center of gravity of balance lever. 

S — Slot in cam J controlling movement of roller K. 

T — Screws securing cam J to balance lever. 

U —Line of travel of roller K when balance lever swings 
outwardly. 

V — Contact surface in cam J which guides roller K. 

X — Distance R to Rl equals the length of short lever 
arm. 

Y — Distance Rl and R2 equals distance from fulcrum 

point Q to center of gravity of balance lever, form- 
ing long lever arm. 
Z —Cam formed on balance lever. 



_ 



The above letters refer to the drawing on page 111. This is a 
list of parts for reference in studying construction of the Kron 
scale. 

110 



Other Scales and Their Defects 




Reproduction of drawing, showing one-half of the mechanism 
of the Kron scale already shown in full on page 107. This drawing 
is on a larger scale to bring out more clearly some points to which 
we refer. 

Ill 



Other Scales and Their Defects 




Halftone from photograph of Kron mechanism. This 
in connection with the reproduced drawings on pages 
107 and 111, will help you still further to understand the 
defects in this scale, as explained. 



112 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



1000 graduations, the cam would have to be filed at 1000 
different points in order to make the cam correct at each 
graduation. The roller K works mostly in the slot S at 
and adjacent to the zero position, consequently, the zero 
position of the cam and adjacent positions will wear the 
fastest. 

Further, on account of the roller K being small in 
diameter, there is a great tendency for it to wear, the 
hole in the roller wearing unevenly, whereupon the roller 
K will become eccentric, and the scale will weigh dif- 
ferently, according to which side of the roller is in con- 
tact with the cam J. 

It will be readily understood that to file off the cam 
1/1000 of an inch or less, requires a fairly good watch- 
maker. And as the bearing surface V on the cam J as 
well as the roller K will wear, and unevenly, it will be 
equally clear that this filing process must be repeated 
frequently in order to have the scale weigh with even 
approximate accuracy. When filing the surface V of the 
cam J, if, at any point, the cut is made too deep and too 
much material should be filed away, the whole remain- 
ing surface of the cam would have to be refiled to exactly 
that same depth in order to get the scale to weigh cor- 
rectly on the different parts of the chart. Any one who 
has had any experience in filing will realize the tremen- 
dous job it would be to file this cam from one end to the 
other, especially when filing 1/1000 of an inch too much 
will throw a scale with a 2500-lb. chart off about 1^ lbs. 

These scales have no shock-absorbing device between 
the balance levers and the indicator hand. Any jarring 
or sudden impact on the platform is instantly transmitted 
to the pinion N on the indicating shaft. This will have 
a marked tendency to destroy the accuracy of the teeth 
in the pinion N, as well as in the rack driving the pinion. 
The chances, then, are slight for the scale to remain 
accurate through constant and continuous usage, or in 
locations where dust and moisture can accumulate on 
the various parts. 

Thus, inaccuracies in weighing will result from any 
of the following causes: {Continued on Pagt 115) 

113 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



TAC- Simile 

THE KRON SCALE 

Automatic— "Load and Look"— Springless 



Cleaning and Adjusting the Kron Scale: 

AH scales, whether of the latest automatic types or of the beam type, need a 
certain amount of attention and care to be able to give satisfactory and correct 
service. 

The Kron platform is constructed entirel>- of steel, with all parts interchange- 
able, and if placed on a solid foundation and kept reasonably clean should give no 
cause for trouble. 

in testing out a platform, it is important to place the test weights not only in 
the center of the platform but on each corner, and take the reading from zero to 
capacity; if all these points tally the platform is in perfect shape. If then any dis- 
crepancy is found between the weight placed on the platform and the weigKt indi- 
cated on the dial the trouble must be looked for elsewhere. 

Then proceed from the platform through the intermediate lever to the draft 
rod, at the upper end of which you will find the yoke (V) on which the dash-pot 
(W) is suspended. This dash-pot should be removed and cleaned on the inside 
with a dry cloth, after \\+iich it is to be put back in its place. It is important that 
this dash-pot swings free and does not rub against the piston on any side; if, how- 
ever, it is found rubbing against this piston, same can be adjusted at the piston 
bolt and nut (Z). When this is done the dash-pot should work free and fric- 
tionless. 

To clean the mechanism, remove the balance weights and fulcrums by .tak- 
ing out the screws holding the fulcrum blocks (G) to the upright (Q) ; b"^ 
before doing this remove pin holding cam roller (K), making the cam swing free 
from the sector, then clean the fulcrum blocks and the under side of the steel bands 
resting on the fulcrum blocks, also cleaning the surface of the fulcrum rollers 
(H) and the bearing surface of bearing blocks (I) ; after which the fulcrums with 
the balance weights are to be put back in their places. 

In cleaning sector (L) and the pinion (.N) on the pointer shaft a tooth- 
brush could be used to advantage. The pointer shaft rollers (O) and their bear- 
ings should be wiped clean. After all these parts are put back in their places, 
clean cam roller (K) and its bearings before attaching to the sector and also wipe 
the bearing surface of cam (J). 

After this is done the indication on the dial should tally with test weights on 
the platform or the last adjustment is to be made on the cam (J). 

The Kron Scale is the only automatic scale with a positive adjustment at^ 
any point on the dial from zero to capacity. This adjustment should be made by 
using a watch-maker's file as follows: 

Find the low spot on the cam. fill in or take out shot from the shot cup to 
make this low spot correspond with the test weights; then file the balance of the 
cam lightly with a watch-maker's file until it is in perfect balance at each gradua- 
tion as test weights are placed on the platform. 



AMERICAN KRON SCALE CO. 

39 Cortlandt Street, New York 



Reduced facsimile of printed instructions for cleaning and ad- 
justing the Kron scale, issued by American Kron Scale Company. 

114 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



1. Lengthening of the band supporting the balance 
levers and weights, or the changing of position of the 
fastenings F and F2. 

2. Foreign substances accumulating between the 
roller G and the ribbon, as at W. 

3. Foreign substances accumulating between the 
plate I and the ribbon, as at Fl. 

4. Shifting of the plates I on the balance lever. 

5. Wearing of the roller K, either at the center or 
on its surface, or both. 

6. Wearing of the bearing surface V in the cam J. 

7. Wearing of the teeth of the segmental rack or in 
the pinion N. 

8. Dirt or foreign substances accumulating under 
the ribbon D on the cam Z. 

9. Dust or foreign substances accumulating between 
the two ribbons D at points between the cams and the 
fastenings of the two ribbons. 

Careful study by the salesmen of the mechanism of 
these scales and talks with those who have used and 
discarded them, may probably reveal other serious de- 
fects. It is only just to point these out to those who are 
still clinging to this type of weighing device or those 
who are contemplating its purchase. 



FAIRBANK'S PLATFORM SCALE 

Toledo, Ohio, May 1, 1918. 

The defects, as explained, of the Fairbanks Automatic 
Dormant Platform Scale, apply generally to all such scales 
which have come to our notice up to this date. Many 
of these defects must be known to the maker of these 
scales and it is more than likely that efforts are being 
made to correct and overcome them. 

Before making a statement concerning any particular 
scale, examine the scale closely and be sure that it does 
possess the defect or defects which you claim it possesses. 

It is neither the policy nor the desire of the company 
that any statements be made about any of our competi- 
tors or their machines which are not wholly and actually 
true down to the smallest particular. 

115 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



We want our salesmen to fight hard for business, but 
always to be absolutely fair. 

It is your duty and obligation to point out the de- 
fects of any scale which may be under consideration. 
But never put yourself and the company in the unfair and 
contemptible position of having stated an untruth or of 
having made any misrepresentation whatsoever. 
Engineering Department. 
TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 

The illustration on page 118 shows, as far as we know, 
the fourth attempt of the Fairbanks Company to produce 
a successful Automatic Scale. 

We are informed that in a period of about three years, 
they have changed the entire principle four times and 
the detail of construction many times, all of which would 
indicate that they are doing their experimenting at the 
expense of the purchaser. It is only fair to point this 
out to prospective purchasers and ask them whether or 
not they want a scale of established correct principle 
like the Toledo, or one on which constant experiments 
are still being made. 

The Toledo Floating Double Pendulum Heavy Capa- 
city Scale is the product of an organization which has de- 
voted itself exclusively for the past fifteen years to 
developing and manufacturing gravity automatic scales. 
The Toledo Heavy Capacity Scales have been on the 
market for five years without a single change in the 
principle of construction. 

Workmanship and finish of the Fairbanks Scale is 
very inferior to the Toledo Standard. The housing is 
not dust nor moisture-proof. This is a noteworthy weak- 
ness, as the accuracy of the scale is impaired sooner or 
later. 

The scale is only semi-automatic ; but a small part of 
the capacity of scale is shown on the chart, the balance 
of the capacity being obtained by using one or all of the 
counter-poise weights, which means error inviting opera- 
tions to engage or disengage these weights. 

There are 22 bearings in the housing of a Fairbanks' 
dormant scale, none of which are self-aligning to the 

116 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



knife edges, against 8 in a Toledo, all of which are self- 
aligning. 

Self-aligning bearings should add years to the life and 
accuracy of any scale. 

The rotary movement of the toothed pinion which 
controls the weight indicator of the Fairbanks is derived 
from a toothed rack mounted on the upper end of a rack 
rod. At the lower end of this rod is a rack rod connec- 
tion pivoted near the end of the main lever, farthest from 
the fulcrum of the lever. Any change in the seating of 
the fulcrum pivot of this main lever in its bearing due to 
rust, dirt, wear, or the lever shifting its position in this 
bearing, will cause the scale to change its zero indica- 
tion. 

A steel pin is used to connect the rack rod bracket to 
the beam and there is, therefore, considerable friction at 
this point. The fit of this pin must be very free, and 
because of the great length of the rack rod, the error 
caused by this play is multiplied and allows the rack 
rod to rub against the guide at the top. This is a con- 
stant source of trouble. 

The limited vertical travel of the rack rod necessitates 
the use of a pinion of very small diameter. The conse- 
quence of this is that the very slightest wear of this 
pinion results in the error being multiplied many times 
at the point of the indicating hand. 

The limited initial capacity of the scale compels the 
operator either to turn the wheel for the purpose of 
throwing out of play one of the unit weights, or to press 
the button for the purpose of putting them into play at 
almost every weighing, and many times, several opera- 
tions of button and wheel are required to arrive at the 
weight. 

In the quick operation of putting the unit weights on 
or off they sometimes get out of position, which requires 
the front or back of housing to be taken off to get them 
back in place. 

Another disadvantage is that the indicating hand does 
not read to zero after each weighing. Very few of these 
dials will indicate the same on the return movement of 

117 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



the hand as on the forward movement, 
friction and faulty construction. 



This is due to 




The arm forming 
part of the main lever 
and extending down- 
ward from it has a 
heavy weight at its 
lower end and together 
with the compensating 
pendulum form the re- 
sistance to counter- 
balance the load up to 
the chart capacity of 
the scale. 

Where pendulums 
are mounted on knife 
edge fulcrum pivots 
and the pendulum load 
pivots are also knife 
edge, as in the Fair- 
banks construction, it 



118 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



is impossible to have the mechanism register accurately 
to equal graduations on the chart. 

To make this mechanism pull to as near equal gradua- 
tions as possible, the pendulum weights only travel a 
short distance, and, to offer any resistance to counter- 
balance the load, must be extremely heavy. 

In scales built on this construction, the graduations 
on the chart are generally made wide so that when ac- 
curate test weights are placed on the platform the indi- 
cation will come somewhere on this graduation. 

With the tremendous pendulum weights mounted on 
knife edge pivots moving such a short distance in rela- 
tion to the movement of the weight indicator, the liability 
for error is much greater than in the Toledo construction. 

In the Toledo Floating Double Pendulum Construc- 
tion, the distance between the fulcrum of the pendulums 
and the pendulum weights constantly increases from a 
zero position to its full capacity. This allows very much 
smaller pendulum weights to be used. This construc- 
tion also allows a much greater movement of the pendu- 
lum weights and an accurate adjustment to fine gradua- 
tions which are equally spaced on the charts. 

The continued durability and accuracy of an automa- 
tic scale depends to a very great extent upon preserving 
the accurate shape of the teeth of the rack and pinion 
which revolve the weight indicator. One of the exclusive 
points of the Toledo is the shock-absorbing feature, which 
is interposed between the toothed rack and its connection 
to the pendulums. Sudden shocks caused by heavy 
loads being placed suddenly on or off the platform and 
the effects of hard usage are taken care of by this shock 
absorber and the accuracy of the teeth of the rack and 
pinion maintained through a long period of time. 

The Fairbanks Automatic construction has no such de- 
vice and depends entirely upon the dash pot which does 
not take care of all the strain and wear which must 
come on the toothed rack and pinion. 

The toothed pinion on the indicator shaft of a Fair- 
banks Dormant Scale is considerably smaller than in the 
Toledo, which could only result in a lesser degree of ac- 
curacy. 

119 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



I«ni> ti- iMal ,0 




Rear view of Fairbanks with back removed. 
Compare crude appearance with a Toledo. 



120 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



The Fairbanks Scales which we have seen have no 
mechanical adjustments to take care of all the inaccura- 
cies which might occur in a scale of that construcion 
through continued use. The Toledo mechanism is so 
constructed that inaccuracies due to wearing of the parts 
through continued use are very remote, even though used 
for many years, but it is provided with mechanical ad- 
justments to take care of all little inaccuracies due to 
long continued service. 

The diameter of the chart is only 15 inches — making it 
practically impossible to show a graduation of even one 
pound for a chart of more than 200 pounds capacity. 

There is no shock-absorbing means to prevent transfer 
of shocks to these delicate parts of the weighing mech- 
anism — the rack, pinion and pinion shaft bearings. The 
rack for driving the pinion is so connected to the beam 
as to transfer the slightest shock directly to the pinion 
from the beam, so that any jar on the platform is imme- 
diately transferred to the indicating mechanism. 

The target figures on the rotating dial back of the 
chart proper, show the added capacity figures through 
openings in the dial proper. The changing of figures in 
certain positions is dangerous, due to the fact that the 
operator is accustomed to reading the weight from the 
position of the hand rather than from the figures on 
the target back of the dial. This changing of figures is 
liable to cause serious error, especially when the scale 
is located in a place where there is not sufficint light to 
see the figures back of the dial. 

The chart being very small in diameter, it is impos- 
sible to place figures to indicate the total capacity of 
scale and have a clear reading on the chart. Hence, the 
target figures are used, and as most of the loads weighed 
are in excess of the capacity of the chart, hand operations 
are required for both the adding of capacity weights and 
the removing of same. When the button is pressed, 
more weight than is wanted may easily be dropped off. 

The pendulum weights travel a very small distance, 
due to the general principle of construction of the scales. 
This is made necessary in order to obtain an approxi- 

121 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



mately correct weight on an evenly graduated dial. The 
connection between the compensating pendulum and the 
beam is such that a little jarring or shaking of the scale 
platform is liable to throw the scale off or out of balance 
at zero. This is caused by a slight shift of the compen- 
sating pendulum pivots in their bearings, due to the fact 
that the pendulums travel a short distance only and have 
a high multiple. The beam travels only a small distance 
where the rack for driving the pinion is connected, mak- 
ing it necessary to use a very small pinion in order to 
obtain a revolution. A small pinion of the same pitch 
must have fewer teeth, and will show greater error due 
to decreased size, and will increase the multiple of error 
shown on the chart by the indicator. The strain on a 
rack and pinion where a small pinion is used, is much 
greater and will not stand the wear and tear to which a 
scale of this type is subjected. 

The clearance space between the capacity or unit 
weights and the stationary weight frame, is very small 
when the beam rocks to either extreme. A slight dis- 
placement or wear of these parts will allow the weights 
to come in contact and produce an error when the hand 
is close to zero or near the full capacity of the chart. 

The dash-pot is very large, as it must be when coal oil 
is used, necessitating a large, heavy plunger. This 
plunger being connected with the beam, should the beam 
swing to the right or left, would cause undue friction 
by coming in contact with the walls of the dash-pot. 
Coal oil will evaporate and is very inflammable. 

The housing containing the dial and pendulum mech- 
anism is not dustproof or moistureproof. The housing 
has large openings for projections from the lever at either 
end of the tare beam. This will permit dust and moist- 
ure to enter the housing mechanism, which will rapidly 
destroy the pivot edges and the accuracy of the auto- 
matic weighing mechanism. 

The case extends clear to the floor, and is entirely 
open at the bottom and also open both front and back 
between the sub-base and the case. There are also large 
circular holes in the sides of the case. This has a flue 

122 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



effect, and dirt and dust are carried from the floor up 
into the dial head and vital parts of the scale. This de- 
vice cannot operate successfully under dirt, dust, or 
moisture conditions. 

The housing sets in a sub-base and is equipped with 
four leveling screws, and must be set level and kept 
permanently level and plumb. 

The main beam is a very light casting, and the man- 
ner of mounting the tare beam is such as to cause the 
main beam to spring against the sides of the trig loop if 
the screws in the tare beam are tightened securely, and 
this has caused considerable trouble in actual service. 
Because of its weakness, the beam has an extreme range 
in the pivot line. There is no beam-locking device. Tare 
beam is limited in capacity. 

A slotted shelf lever is used with a movable-load pivot 
block. This block will gradually loosen in service be- 
cause of loose fit of same to the lever, and is a dangerous 
contrivance to the user. 

The main pendulum is fastened rigidly to the beam. 
Auxiliary or compensating pendulum is mounted with ful- 
crum bearing on a bracket fastened to the side of the dial 
case, and lever arm of this pendulum is connected to 
main beam by loop and flat-link connection, and must be 
kept directly under and parallel with the beam. This 
flat-link connection is at a right angle to the travel of 
the lever arm, and consequently, considerable friction is 
often developed in these connections. These pendulums 
cannot equalize when the device is out of level, as there 
is only one floating pendulum, the other being rigid and 
connected to the beam. Because of the weight of these 
pendulums, they must be removed in shipping, and this 
destroys the seal, as it is impossible to replace them in 
the position as originally sealed, necessitating resealing 
in the field. The movement of these pendulums is about 
six to eight degrees, and the scale lacks power to drive 
the pinion shaft. Any slight interference in the way of 
dirt or dust, or slight friction in any other part of the 
device, causes the hand to stick, and consequently results 
in errors in the indication. 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



The dash-pot is fitted with plain disk plunger, and 
the clearance of the disk in this pot determines the action 
of the indicating hand. It has no means of adjustment. 
The pot is filled with kerosene, and the opening for the 
plunger rod is about 1 in. by ^ in. Sudden shocks to 
the platform of the scale cause the kerosene to splash 
out, and kerosene is inflammable and dangerous. Because 
of this and natural evaporation, it is necessary to replen- 
ish the kerosene frequently. If the device gets slightly 
out of level, the plunger will rub against the side of the 
pot, and because of the great diameter (6 inches) and 
necessarily increased friction surface, serious errors in 
indication result. 

The weight frame is suspended by a ratchet wheel 
with a chain. There must be clearance provided between 
each weight, and as there is only about 1/16 inch at most, 
it frequently happens that in the complete travel of the 
beam, the weights will contact with the fingers on the 
weight frame or on the upper movement of the beam with 
the weight above, before the indicator on the dial has 
completed its travel. The weight frame is operated by 
means of a button and wheel on the front of the dial case ; 
and it often happens that the weights strike and fall ofif 
the carrier when this wheel is operated quickly, or when 
the kerosene in the retarding tube is low and the plunger 
not submerged. Hard shocks to the scale platform 
might also throw the weights off the weight frame. 

The retarding tube is to check the fall of the weight 
frame, and same must be in exact parallel alignment with 
the weight frame guides to permit freedom of travel with 
the weight frame. It often happens that this will not 
travel the full distance on this account, or on account of 
the corrosion on the weight frame guide. 

The pinion shaft has cup and point bearings requiring 
very delicate adjustment, and rust in these bearings is 
a very common source of trouble. 

The indicating hand is permanently balanced and has 
no means of balancing except by filing butt or the tip 
of the hand. 

124 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



Careful study by the salesman of the mechanism of 
these scales and talks with those who have used and 
discarded them, may possibly reveal other serious defects. 
It is only just to point these out to those who are still 
clinging to this type of weighing device or those who 
are contemplating its purchase. 

Engineering Department. 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



FAIRBANK'S PORTABLE 

Toledo, Ohio, May 1, 1918. 

The defects, as explained, of the Fairbanks Automatic 
Portable Scale, apply generally to all such scales which 
have come to our notice up to this date. Many of these 
defects must be known to the maker of these scales and 
it is more than likely that efforts are being made to cor- 
rect and overcome them. 

Before making a statement concerning any particular 
scale, examine the scale closely and be sure that it does 
possess the defect or defects which you claim it possesses. 

It is neither the policy nor the desire of the company 
that any statements be made about any of our competi- 
tors or their machines which are not wholly and actually 
true down to the smallest particular. 

We want our salesmen to fight hard for business, but 
always to be absolutely fair. 

It is your duty and obligation to point out the de- 
fects of any scale which may be under consideration. 
But never put yourself and the company in the unfair and 
contemptible position of having stated an untruth or of 
having made any misrepresentation whatsoever. 

Engineering Department. 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 

125 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



The illustrations Figures 1, 2, and 3, pages 126 and 
127 show the Fairbanks construction for portable scales 
and disclose the following: 




228- 



Figure 1 



The Housing of scale is not dust nor moisture-proof. 
The Tare Beam Lever Casing No. 944, Fig. 2, has two 
openings in the top to support the beams above the cas- 
ing. The Chart Housing has four openings at the top 
to accommodate the Main Pendulum Arm 650, the con- 
nection to the Auxiliary Pendulum (903), Steelyard Rod 
(160-A) and Dash Pot Connecting Rod 694. All of these 
openings would allow a tremendous amount of dust or 
moisture to enter the mechanism and soon render it 
inaccurate. 

126 




346 
369 
363 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



The Knife Edge Bearings for the Pendulums, Tare 
Beam Lever and Bench Lever (214, Fig. 2), are rigid and 
not self-aligning to the Knife Edges. In the Toledo con- 
struction all bearings are self-aligning. Self-aligning 
bearings materially decrease the friction and add greatly 
to the life and accuracy of a scale. 

The Dial of the scale is located too low and does not 
give enough clearance from the platform. It w^ould seem 
from the location of beams and dial that the beam equip- 
m.ent was the most important weighing feature of the 
scale. 

The arm forming part of the main lever and extending 
downward from it has a heavy weight at its lower end 
(marked 651, Fig 1), and together with the compensating 
pendulum (907, Fig. 1), form the resistance to counter- 
balance the load up to the chart capacity of the scale. 

Where pendulums are mounted on knife edge fulcrum 
pivots and the pendulum load pivots are also knife edge, 
as in the Fairbanks construction, it is impossible to have 
the pendulum register accurately to equal graduations on 
the chart. 

To make this mechanism pull to as near equal gradua- 
tions as possible, the pendulum weights only travel a 
short distance, and to offer any resistance to counter- 
balance, the load must be extremely heavy. 

In scales built on this construction, the graduations 
on the chart are generally made wide so that when ac- 
curate test weights are placed on the platform the indica- 
tion will come somewhere on this graduation. 

With the tremendous pendulum weights mounted on 
knife edge pivots moving such a short distance in rela- 
tion to the movement of the weight indicator, the liability 
for error is much greater than in the Toledo construction. 

In the Toledo Floating Double Pendulum, the dis- 
tance between the fulcrum of the pendulums and the 
pendulum weights constantly increases from a zero posi- 
tion to its full capacity. This allows very much smaller 
pendulum weights to be used. This construction also 

128 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



allows a much greater movement of the pendulum 
weights and an accurate adjustment to fine graduations 
which are equally spaced on the charts. 

The continued durability and accuracy of an automa- 
tic scale depends to a very great extent upon preserving 
the accurate shape of the teeth of the rack and pinion 
which revolve the weight indicator. 

One of the exclusive points of the Toledo is the shock 
absorbing feature, which is interposed between the 
toothed rack and its connection to the pendulums. 
Sudden shocks caused by heavy loads being placed sud- 
denly on or off the platform and the effects of hard usage 
are taken care of by this shock absorber and the accuracy 
of the teeth of the rack and pinion maintained through a 
long period of time. 

The Fairbanks Automatic construction has no such 
device and depends entirely upon the dash pot which 
does not take care of all the strain and wear which would 
come on the toothed rack and pinion. 

The Fairbanks Scales that we have seen have no me- 
chanical adjustments to take care of all the inaccuracies 
which might occur in a scale of that construction through 
continued use. The Toledo Mechanism is so constructed 
that the inaccuracies due to wearing of the parts through 
continued use are very slight, even though used for many 
years. However, it is provided with mechanical adjust- 
ments to take care of all little inaccuracies due to long 
continued service. 

Careful study by the salesman of the mechanism of 
these scales and talks with those who have used and 
discarded them, may possibly reveal other serious defects. 
It is only just to point these out to those who are still 
clinging to this type of weighing device or those who 
are contemplating its purchase. 

Engineering Department. 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 
129 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



THE HOWE AUTOMATIC SCALE 

Toledo, Ohio, May 1, 1918. 

The defects of the Howe Automatic Scale, as ex- 
plained, apply generally to all such scales which have 
come to our notice up to this date. Many of these de- 
fects must be known to the maker of these scales and 
it is more than likely that efforts are being made to 
correct and overcome them. 

Before making a statement concerning any particular 
scale, examine the scale closely and be sure that it does 
possess the defect or defects which you claim it possesses. 

It is neither the policy nor the desire of the Company 
that any statements be made about any of our competi- 
tors or their machines, which are not wholly and actually 
true down to the smallest particular. 

We want our salesmen to fight hard for business, 
but always to be absolutely fair. 

It is your duty and obligation to point out the de- 
fects of any scale which may be under consideration. 
But never put yourself and the Company in the unfair 
and contemptible position of having stated an untruth, 
or of having made any misrepresentation whatsoever. 

Engineering Department, 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



The workmanship and design are by no means up to 
the standard of requirements in a high-class automatic 
scale. 

The pendulum mechanism is not enclosed in dust- 
proof or moistureproof housing. 

130 



Other Scales and Their Defects 




This is the Latest Type we have seen at 
Time of Going to Press 



The connection between the levers below and the 
pendulum mechanism is direct. There is no shock-ab- 
sorbing device, so that the shock due to a load being 

131 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



placed on the platform, is communicated directly to the 
rack and pinion and causes excessive wear to both, which 
results in great inaccuracies in a very short time. They 
have no equalizing bar. The means employed for ac- 
complishing the purpose of an equalizer bar, is a roller 
which sets on the ribbon, the two ends of this ribbon 
being connected to each of the power sectors which form 
a part of the pendulum mechanism. This roller is re- 
cessed, having a little flange extending outward past the 
ribbon on either side. This forms a pocket for dirt. Un- 
less the two power sectors and the roller are in perfect 
alignment, great friction might be caused by these flanges 
on the roller. Any dirt lodging in beween this roller and 
the ribbon on either or both sides of it, would result in 
inaccuracies. Particularly is this true at the zero posi- 
tion. Any defect in the ribbon or rust on the shaft 
running through the roller, would cause inaccuracies in 
the weighing of the scales. A great source of complaint 
against the Howe Scale is the fact that it will not remain 
at zero. This fact is largely due to a lack of pendulum 
power, as there is little or none at this point, and the 
above-mentioned conditions with reference to the roller 
and ribbons. Another source of trouble is the fact that 
the roller bearings on which the indicator shaft is 
mounted only revolve an amount backwards and forward 
sufficient to complete the revolution of the indicator. 
Hence, this constant wear at this particular point will 
produce great inaccuracy if by chance, when making an 
adjustment of the scale, these rollers are changed from 
their original position after having been used some time. 

The suspension bearings on which the platform rests, 
are so constructed that every particle of movement of 
the platform when loading or unloading the scale, causes 
an equal amount of oscillation or rolling effect on the 
lever pivots, which of necessity causes excessive and rapid 
wear, and in turn causes great inaccuracies in weighing. 
To overcome this defect, small metal spheres set in cups, 
are used, four of which cups are in the top of the spider ; 
the other four on the lower part of the platform. These 
cups are made a little larger than the balls, permitting 
a little action to and fro to the platform. However, 

132 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



these balls when the platform is forced one way or an- 
other, must come to a sudden stop when they contact 
with the outer edge of the cups in which they set. The 
balls are not perfectly round, nor are the cups finished 
so as to allow a free, easy, rolling movement of the plat- 
form backwards and forwards over these balls. There 
is an eifect, due to these imperfect balls, similar to the 
effect produced by rolling a hexagon nut between two 
planks. These balls soon become worn, and cannot roll, 
so that any beneficial result they might have had at 
outset is lost. 

Most, if not all, of the Howe Scale platforms, as well 
as the frames, now in use are made of wood. The weak- 
nesses of such a platform and frame compared to the 
high-grade Toledo steel frames and gray-iron platforms, 
are very evident. 

Most of the Howe levers have the side puU, and the 
fulcrum and load pivots do not run through the lever. 
The disadvantage of this is evident. It has a tendency 
to cause a yielding side torsion on the pivots, causing 
inaccuracies in weighing when heavy loads are weighed. 

The main beam or counterbalance weight to counter- 
balance initial pull of lever, has a tendency to swing. 
This has the effect of keeping the indicator in constant 
motion, preventing it from coming to a positive stop. 
The average weight of this counterbalance is about 20 
pounds. 

The locking device on portables is inoperative when 
scale is out of balance, due to the fact that there is no 
means for relieving the pull on the pendulums. Thus, if 
the scale is out of balance, these pendulums swing out 
of position so that only one or neither of the weights can 
be locked. Should only one weight be locked, the 
force exerted on this is so excessive that it strains the 
nbbon or cam sufficiently to cause inaccurate weighing 
when released. 

Owing to the 45-degree angle of travel of their cams, 
mstead of moving in an upright and downward position 
as on Toledos, it is almost impossible for them to get an 

133 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



accurate indication on the chart weighing forward and 
backward. 

The rack is connected directly to the beam, thus con- 
centrating a large percentage of shocks and all vibra- 
tions directly on the rack and pinion. 

They have no shock-absorbing feature nor compen- 
sating device. It is absolutely necessary to level head 
device and to place level on leveling points of head con- 
tinually, owing to lack of compensating feature. 

There is no method of getting a gravity range on their 
beam so as to balance in any position, thus causing a 
different indication at different points on the dial on a 
uniform, graduated chart. 

When the power or weight is taken off the platform, 
the power removed from the pendulums traveling on 
45-degree angle is not as great as power in straight up- 
right position to bring indicator back to zero. 

Howe Company tries to minimize these errors by 
6 to 8 degrees travel of pendulum. This, we believe, is 
an error. 

Howe dial and dial mechanism are not hermetically 
sealed; they should be by all means or scale will not 
continue to weigh accurately. 

Kerosene is used in dash pot ; it is highly inflammable 
and creates a fire hazard. By spilling out on case and 
very often discoloring the dial chart and completely cov- 
ering lower part of dial housing it creates not only a 
dangerous but a very unsightly condition. 

To keep scale in balance it must be balanced several 
times a day. 



HOWE GUARANTEE 

"We guarantee our automatic scales to be free from 
defects in material and to weigh as accurately as can be 
expected of a device of this kind where rapidity is para- 
mount. We could state, however, that under proper use 

134 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



and care the degree of accuracy would be within the 
smallest division of the dial graduation, providing the 
scale and device are kept level and plumb and are han- 
dled in accordance with our instructions." 

Howe does not claim dial or automatic scale is more 
accurate than beam scale — in fact, the factory plainly 
instructs all agencies and all salesmen that to attain 
rapidity you must sacrifice accuracy. 

Ask the man who has one or ever had one. 

Careful study by the salesmen of the mechanism of 
these scales and talks with those who have used and 
discarded them, may possibly reveal other serious defects. 
It is only just to point these out to those who are still 
clinging to this type of weighing device or those who 
are contemplating its purchase. 

Engineering Department, 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



THE AMERICAN MATERIALS COMPANY 
AUTOMATIC SCALE 

Toledo, Ohio, May 1, 1918. 

The defects of the American Materials Automatic 
Scale, as explained, apply generally to all such scales 
which have come to our notice up to this date. Many 
of these defects must be known to the maker of these 
scales and it is more than likely that efforts are being 
made to correct and overcome them. 

Before making a statement concerning any particular 
scale, examine the scale closely and be sure that it does 
possess the defect or defects which you claim it possesses. 

It is neither the policy nor the desire of the Company 
that any statements be made about any of our competi- 
tors or their machines which are not wholly and actually 
true down to the smallest particular. 

135 



American Materials Scale 
136 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



We want our salesmen to fight hard for business, but 
always to be absolutely fair. 

It is your duty and obligation to point out the de- 
fects of any scale which may be under consideration. 
But never put yourself and the Company in the unfair 
and contemptible position of having stated an untruth, 
or of having made any misrepresentation whatsoever. 

Engineering Department, 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



The American Materials Company started to build 
automatic scales only a short time ago and evidently 
did not have any definite and decided principle of con- 
struction in mind. This is indicated by the fact that 
they have changed their entire principle of construction 
twice and the detail of their construction many times. 

In the American Materials Scale, all the bearings 
for the pivots in the levers are rigid, hence the pivot 
edges will not have uniform pressure in the bearings and 
when shifting the levers, the pivots will move in the 
bearings, changing the indication of the scale and wear- 
ing the pivot edges very rapidly, producing an inaccurate 
scale. 

The pinion, to which is attached the indicating hand, 
is driven from an arm which is rigidly fastened to the 
tare beam lever, so that any change in the seating of the 
lever fulcrum pivot in its fulcrum bearing due to rust, 
dirt, wear, or the lever shifting its position in this bear- 
ing, will cause the scale to change its zero indication. 

As the pendulums are constructed with both fulcrum 
and load knife-edge pivots, it is not possible to obtain 
equal graduations on the chart unless approximate ac- 
curacy only is desired. To make this mechanism pull 
to as nearly equal graduations on the chart as possible, 

137 




View of Mechanism, American Materials Sc^l!; ^j^^^^^^ 
Crude Appearance with the Beautiful and Correctly 
Designed Mechanism of a Toledo 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



the pendulum weights move a distance of about one inch, 
consequently, these weights must be tremendously heavy 
in order to give the scale the desired capacity. The 
multiplication of the one-inch movement of the pendulum 
weights into the movement of the indicating hand for 
one revolution around the chart, is about 78 to 1. In 
the Toledo this multiplication is practically 10 to 1. With 
the tremendous pendulum weights mounted on knife-edge 
pivots and moving such a short distance in relation to 
the movement of the weight indicator, the liability for 
error is exceedingly great. 

The continued durability and accuracy of an auto- 
matic scale depends to a very great extent upon pre- 
serving the accurate shape of the teeth of the rack and 
pinion which transmit the rotary movement to the in- 
dicating hand. 

The pinion on the indicator shaft on the American 
Automatic Scale, is considerably smaller than on the 
Toledo, which can result only in a lesser degree of ac- 
curacy. The American scale has no adjustment to take 
care of any inaccuracy that might occur except at zero 
and full capacity. If the scale should not weigh cor- 
rectly in an intermediate position, no means is provided 
for correction. 

The housing containing the American automatic 
mechanism, is not dustproof. The teeth in the rack 
operating the pinion are turned upward and are unpro- 
tected. These teeth will in a short time catch dust and 
dirt, producing inaccuracy. 

Chart housing of American Automatic Scale is not 
dustproof and dust would settle in the teeth of rack 
which is inverted, and errors would result. 

Finish of scale and parts, both outside and inside, 
cannot compare with the Toledo standard. 

A type of American Automatic Scale which is being 
sold to packing houses for the same class of weighing 
for which we furnish the Toledo Short Column Portable 
mounted on an adjustable elevated stand, has the follow- 
ing objections: 

139 



Other Scales and Their Defects 



1st — Platform construction of base of scale is of wood 
and is mounted on an iron framework with no wheels. 

2d — Automatic mechanism is as above described and 
could not be made into a satisfactory portable scale. 

3d — No locking mechanism. 

4th — No beams. 

5th — Chart of 200-pound capacity and graduations on 
same are about 4 ounces wide, which would not result 
in accurate weighing. 

Careful study by the salesmen of the mechanism of 
these scales and talks with those who have used and 
discarded them, may possibly reveal other serious defects. 
It is only just to point these out to those who are still 
clinging to this type of weighing device, or those who 
are contemplating its purchase. 

Engineering Department, 

TOLEDO SCALE COMPANY. 



140 



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